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Elder Abuse Unit
"Enhancing Awareness, Prevention and Prosecution of Elder Abuse" |
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Neglect
Neglect occurs when an individual responsible for providing care to an elder fails to do so. Neglect can include but is not limited to denying someone food, proper medication, clean clothes, daily hygiene or medical attention. | |
| Signs of Possible Neglect: When to suspect someone is the a victim of neglect |
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An elderly person is isolated with no friends or relatives to stop by and visit
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Elder is exposed to health and safety hazards
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Social events are no longer being attended and there are constant excuses by the caregiver as to why the elder cannot make them
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An uncharacteristic change in behavior - not going to church, no weekly phone calls, hair appointments canceled
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Absence from family gatherings like birthday parties for the grandchildren or holiday gatherings
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The caregiver is always present with the elderly person and speaks for that person constantly |
| An example of neglect:
The adult son/caregiver failed to care for his elderly mother. He lived at home, was unmarried, and worked an occasional part-time job. When his mother was unable to care for herself in a safe manner, her son convinced her not to move into a care facility but remain at home and that he would care for her. Months later police responded to a dropped 911 and entered the home to discover the mother in her bedroom lying in a bed soiled with feces and urine and suffering open bed sores. The son was not one but on a date. The mother tried calling an ambulance because her son failed to feed her that day. |
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