Self-neglect in the case of the elderly. Where are we now?

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED Self-neglect in an elderly person is a behavior that threatens his/her own health and safety. It is present when a person refuses to adequately feed, water, shelter, or clothe himself, refuses medication or medical care, and personal safety measures. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a multicentric study of self-neglect in three geriatric units from Finland, Greece and Romania The medical, social, psychological and behavioral profile analysis was based on a questionnaire; this questionnaire relied on existing studies and social, economic and medical facts in the three countries. The cognitive function, nutritional status, and the presence or absence of depression have also been assessed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS The data obtained until now support the importance of self-neglect among the elderly. The social-medical network should not only identify, diagnose, prevent, and treat the elderly affected by the phenomenon of self-neglect, but also educate the society to help them and, moreover, to prevent their marginalization.