Elder Self-Neglect and Dementia: Challenges for Community Based Teams
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Copyright: © 2020 . This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Abstract
Elders with dementia are significantly more likely to neglect their own needs, and determining the role of cognitive impairment is a key factor in creating successful interventions for change. Community based care teams, be they clinic based, or from home health, are similarly confronted with the challenge of how to support independence while promoting wellness and safety. Through careful analysis of the multi-factorial nature of self-neglect, teams can create care systems that honour autonomy and prevent placement. Creativity, flexibility, and acceptance of the “dignity of risk” allow care providers to make an impact while supporting aging in place. Reflecting on recent patients will allow a close intimate consideration of elders, who self-neglect and the risks and benefits of intervention.
