Self-Neglect and Signs of Self-Neglect
Statutory definition: AS 47.24.900 (13)
"An act or omission by a vulnerable adult that results, or could result, in the deprivation of essential services necessary to maintain minimal mental, emotional, or physical health and safety."
An example of self-neglect is when a vulnerable adult lives on her own and is unable to take the garbage out. As time passes, garbage collects in the home to the point where insects have infested the home. As well as physical surroundings, self-neglect could also cause physical problems to the vulnerable adult, such as not providing his own personal care which puts him at risk for skin breakdown. Some other signs of self-neglect could be:
- Poor personal hygiene
- Inappropriate dress for weather conditions
- Evidence of health and safety hazards
- Inadequate provision of food or water
- Reports of no food or not enough food, money, needed supplies, medication, etc.
- Weight loss
- Pressure ulcers
- Receiving shut off notices for water, electricity or other utilities