Elder self-neglect

Self-neglect is among the most prevalent types of elder maltreatment that geriatric care managers run against. An older adult may no longer be able to execute necessary self-care due to physical, mental, or cognitive impairment. They may exhibit poor personal hygiene, seem underweight, emaciated, or dehydrated, live in filthy or progressively unclean conditions, and struggle to handle their finances and medications.

Self-neglect may be a symptom of despair, bereavement, dementia, or another medical condition, and frequently, the elderly person will not ask for help. They can be denying their need for assistance, feel guilty about it, or fear losing their independence.

Warning signs

Unusual weight loss
Taking mismatched medication
Missing meals
Unhygienic living
Threatens his/her health and safety

Consequences

An increased risk of infection
Medical negligence
Effect quality of life
Higher chances of mortality
Nutritional deficiency

How Online Counselling can be helpful?

Elderly person neglects themselves by failing to take their meds, pay their bills, or keep themselves clean and well-groomed. And merely withholding necessary care, like as medication or nutrition, is considered neglect. A great option for elderly adults to connect with others going through similar challenges is geriatric group therapy. Group therapy may also help to minimize social isolation.

Best Geriatric Care Therapists in India

dr. sakshi kochhar

Psychologist

EXPERIENCE: 12 YRS

mrs. kala sengupta

Clinical Psychologist

EXPERIENCE: 32 YRS

mr. utkarsh yadav

Counselling Psychologist

EXPERIENCE: 1 YRS

ms. varshini nayyar

Counselling Psychologist

EXPERIENCE: 6 YRS

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do, if an elder is neglecting oneself?

If an elderly person is neglecting himself, keep in touch with them even if they decline your assistance. Encourage others to let them know how they feel. Seek help from support providers like a geriatric counsellor or care manager, who stand a better chance to hear your concerns. Ensure that the elderly person has access to medical services. If at all feasible, talk to the elder's physician about your worries, as self-neglect can have medical causes. Consult the best psychologist in India, if you think you need to discuss the mental health issues of an elderly person.

What kinds of elderly self-neglect are there?

When a carer doesn't make an effort to meet the requirements of the senior, it is not considered to be self-neglect. This could involve denying the need for food, medicine, or healthy living condition, as well as not meeting one's bodily, emotional, and social needs. Underlying issues for self-neglect can be many. Seek help from a geriatric counsellor to know more about elderly self-neglect or motivate the elder person to seek help from an online counsellor.

What should care givers do?

Helping the elderly with self-neglect can be difficult. The majority of those who have this behavior reject assistance, even from loved ones and close acquaintances. The elder who self-neglect frequently take a long time to diagnose and cure due to their propensity for social anxiety and isolation. Caregivers must assist the elder person by contacting the trusted loved one, people who care about elder health, or any social support, but any action must be handled delicately. You can also contact mental health professionals, online psychologists, or "online psychiatrists near me".