SELF-NEGLECT CO-OCCURS WITH AND IS A RISK FACTOR FOR ELDER MISTREATMENT
2024
Self-Neglect and Elder Mistreatment
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Lewis Stuart, Connolly M, Kimball Patricia, Rogers Geoff, Salvo Erin, Burnes David
Hypothesis
How self-neglect relates to other forms of mistreatment is not well understood.
Conclusion
Self-neglect frequently co-occurs with elder mistreatment, and early intervention may prevent subsequent mistreatment.
Supporting Evidence
- 10%–14% of community dwelling older adults experience mistreatment yearly.
- Self-neglect comprises 50% of APS investigations and 65% of substantiated APS cases.
- An estimated 33% of all cases of elder mistreatment could be attributed to self-neglect.
Takeaway
Sometimes, when older people don't take care of themselves, it can lead to them being treated badly by others. Helping them early can stop this from happening.
Methodology
Maine APS data was analyzed to delineate the relationship between self-neglect and elder mistreatment.
Limitations
Causality cannot be presumed due to the retrospective nature of the analysis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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