Elder neglect remains a significant problem in New Jersey and throughout the country. For instance, research indicates that approximately one in 10 older Americans who live at home will experience some form of elder abuse—which can consist of neglect.

Caretakers neglecting elderly people isn't the only form that elder neglect can take. Elder self-neglect occurs when an elderly person fails to address their own needs.

Be aware that legal strategies exist to guard against this particular form of elder neglect. At the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team, providing family law services throughout New Jersey, we'd be happy to discuss these options in greater detail. Get started today by submitting your information through our online form or by calling our offices at 888-535-3686.

Elder Self-Neglect: Risk Factors and Warning Signs

Elder self-neglect is the most common form of elder abuse reported to Adult Protective Services agencies in the US. It can also take many forms. Generally, elder self-neglect involves an elderly person failing to address their needs in such essential areas as:

• Diet
• Housing/overall living environment
• Hygiene
• Medication and/or medical care
• Safety precautions

An elderly person may engage in self-neglect because they're unable to care for themselves. In other instances, elderly people may refuse to address their own needs.

Risk factors for elder self-neglect include:

• Cognitive issues
• Acute psychological distress
• Physical disability

Warning signs of elder self-neglect to be on the lookout for when visiting an aging loved one include (but aren't necessarily limited to):

• Poor personal hygiene
• Signs an elderly loved one hasn't taken needed medicine
• Unsanitary and/or unsafe living conditions
• Hoarding
• Poor management of one's finances
• Weight changes or other signs of poor diet
• Insufficient food in the home

Regularly checking on a loved one can help guard against elder self-neglect. However, taking certain legal actions may be necessary to thoroughly ensure the safety of an elderly person with limited ability or will to care for themselves.

Legal Options When Elder Self-Neglect is Occurring

At the Lento Law Firm, our Family Law Team is on hand to discuss ways to prevent elder abuse and self-neglect. First, we recommend contacting Adult Protective Services in your area if you believe there's an urgent need to intervene on behalf of a loved one.

In the long run, you may also consider such options as establishing a guardianship or conservatorship. If you successfully do so, you or another trusted adult may gain the power to manage the care of an elderly person who would otherwise face the consequences of self-neglect.

However, it's important to be aware that proving the need for guardianship can be a complex legal process. In addition, there are several types of guardianships you can establish. You might not know which is ideal for your circumstances.

These are topics members of our Lento Law Firm Family Law Team will discuss with you during a consultation. Along with explaining your options, we're prepared to offer legal assistance to help you boost the safety of an aging loved one. Learn more about how we can help by calling us today at 888-535-3686 or by submitting your information online