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Self-Abuse or Neglect is the failure of an individual
to provide for himself or herself because of inattention
or a decline in their ability to care for themselves.
- Are unable to manage their personal finances - for example, they hoard
or squander money, they give money away or they fail to pay their bills;
- Are unable to manage activities of daily living, such as personal care,
shopping, meal preparation or housework;
- Have self-destructive tendencies, such as commiting suicidal acts,
wandering away, refusing medical attention, isolating themselves from
family and friends or engaging in alcohol or substance abuse;
- Live in dangerous or unsanitary conditions, - for example, they lack
toilet facilities, utilities (electricity, heat, etc.,) or their living quarters are
infested with animals or insects;
- Have poor personal health and/or appearance, indicated by the
presence of chronic untreated rashes or sores, the smell of feces or
urine, by their being inadequately clothed, malnourished or
dehydrated, etc.;
- Have changes in intellectual functioning, e.g. confusion, inappropriate
or no response, disorientation as to time and place, memory failure,
incoherence, etc.; or
- Do not keeping medical appointments necessary to treat serious
illnesses or conditions.
What To Do If You Suspect Abuse or Neglect
For more information on preventing abuse or neglect, contact us
