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Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
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| Self-neglect in old age | | Author(s) | James G O'Brien |
| Journal title | Aging Health, vol 7, no 4, August 2011 |
| Pages | pp 573-581 |
| Source | http://www.futuremedicine.com/loi/ahe |
| Keywords | Neglect [care] ; Self care capacity. |
| Annotation | Self-neglect in older adults is complex and challenging and is likely to increase in the future as the population ages. This article presents three case studies of self-neglect in old age and offers a definition of the phenomenon before looking at its history and epidemiology. Diogenes syndrome, a disorder characterised by extreme self-neglect and domestic squalour, is also discussed briefly. Other behavioural characteristics associated with self-neglect include alcoholism, hoarding and apathy. Dementia or other cognitive impairment may also be a factor. Ethical challenges may arise for health care providers as they attempt to balance patient autonomy, safety and an approach that emphasises beneficence, which may violate patient wishes. Given expected demographic trends, an increase in the older population, a decline in social service programmes, a decline in the economy and less family support, the incidence of self-neglect is likely to increase. However there have been few advances in the management of this condition. (JL). |
| Accession Number | CPA-121023006 A |
| Classmark | QNR: CA |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
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| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
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