Describe the dilemma of self-neglect – Should it be considered a form of elder abuse and reported to APS?

What will be an ideal response?


Self-neglect is sometimes the result of mental impairment. The person may not know he/she is being neglectful. This may raise questions as to the problem of social isolation of the person who is not caring for him/herself. If the person’s mental impairment was recognized and interventions for assistance were in place could the self-neglect be prevented. Some older adults who are mentally competent may choose to neglect themselves. Perhaps this should be considered a symptom of other problems that need to be addressed. However, the acts of self-neglect would not qualify as part of the elder abuse network.

Social Work & Human Services

You might also like to view...

According to the text, a social justice approach in groups must ______:

a. be generalizable to various populations experiencing marginalization b. develop members’ ability and comfort engaging in protest movements c. be highly specific to the identity, needs, and contexts of individuals d. be facilitated by workers with specific training in group methods

Social Work & Human Services

When using a family therapy model, it is best to keep the focus of treatment on the identified

patient. Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Social Work & Human Services

The following are all shortened versions of the NASW standards for social workers who

work with developmentally disabled EXCEPT A) Social workers need not work with other disciplines in the care and treatment of persons with developmental disabilities B) If a client lacks decision-making capacities (which may be the case with a client who has disabilities), the worker must take care to safeguard that client's interests and rights C) Social workers must not discriminate against or condone discrimination against a client on the basis of mental or physical disability D) Social workers should work not only to prevent but also to eliminate any exploitation or domination of a person with a mental or physical disability

Social Work & Human Services

Conflict of interest issues have nothing to do with multiple relation and boundary issues

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Social Work & Human Services