An Exploratory Study of Self-Neglectful Elderly

This paper describes and contrasts the characteristics of 227 elders who were reportedly competent but self-neglectful. The sample was found to be disproportionately aged and to have higher rates of disabling conditions such as Alzheimer's or other related dementias and alcoholism when compared with the general older population. When contrasted with a sample of elderly who had been maltreated, self-neglectful elders were found more likely to be male and disabled. Services which were offered to self-neglectful elderly were also examined. The author recommends that the type as well as the number of services being offered to self-neglectful elderly be further investigated.