Self-neglect isn’t the syndrome many twenty somethings learn about after they’ve stayed up too late, too many nights in a row or when they’ve consumed too much alcohol in one sitting, or even when they ate all that food at McDonalds at three in the morning. In fact, most people self-neglect in one way or another, whether they smoke cigarettes, eat unhealthy foods, text while driving, fail to visit the doctor regularly, drive while under the influence, along with many other behaviors one may consider reckless. However, self neglect in the elder community is much more complicated (O’Brien 1999) than simply not being perfect all the time with healthy habits. The book “Out of this World : A Collection of Hermits and Recluses," written by Helen
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It is hard to understand self neglect in an older person who is mentally capable of understanding their actions, yet refuses any assistance. Patients who have been labeled with this syndrome are inclined to be socially withdrawn, a hoarder and collector or junk, are apathetic, and do not have any shame. These characteristics seem to extend across the socioeconomic range, targeting no one in particular (Wrigley and Cooney, 1992). Adults who engage in self abuse, or self neglect are typically over 70 years of age and live alone. Women tend to be the majority of elderly adults who self neglect. Married couples and adults with roommates have also been identified as self abusers, but not nearly as frequent as someone who lives alone. One common factor is social withdrawal. Some self abusers are more likely to have dementia, but at least 50% do not have any mental health issues, so some researchers have concluded. In sum, most self abusers end up being older women who are socially withdrawn while living in squalor with a combination of other conditions such as alcoholism and mental illness, but are capable of everyday
It is hard to understand self neglect in an older person who is mentally capable of understanding their actions, yet refuses any assistance. Patients who have been labeled with this syndrome are inclined to be socially withdrawn, a hoarder and collector or junk, are apathetic, and do not have any shame. These characteristics seem to extend across the socioeconomic range, targeting no one in particular (Wrigley and Cooney, 1992). Adults who engage in self abuse, or self neglect are typically over 70 years of age and live alone. Women tend to be the majority of elderly adults who self neglect. Married couples and adults with roommates have also been identified as self abusers, but not nearly as frequent as someone who lives alone. One common factor is social withdrawal. Some self abusers are more likely to have dementia, but at least 50% do not have any mental health issues, so some researchers have concluded. In sum, most self abusers end up being older women who are socially withdrawn while living in squalor with a combination of other conditions such as alcoholism and mental illness, but are capable of everyday