What is self-neglect?
Self-neglect involves older adults or adults with disabilities who cannot meet their own essential physical, psychological, or social needs, which threatens their health, safety, and well-being. This includes failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter and health care for one’s own needs.
What are the signs of self-neglect?
- Isn’t going to the doctor.
- Isn’t taking medication as needed.
- Doesn’t have food, inadequate nutrition.
- Lives in unsafe housing conditions such as lack of heat, electricity or running water.
- Has poor personal hygiene.
- Lacks/won’t allow needed care.
What are some risk factors of self-neglect?
- Loss of loved one.
- Worsening medical problems or a physical disability.
- Lack of outside contact, isolated from friends and family.
- Lack of a caregiver or lives alone.
- Cognitive impairment, dementia.
What if I’m not sure?
Do you just have a “feeling” about a situation but can’t verify the details? APS professionals are trained to
handle just such a situation. Based on your report, the agency will assess the situation and determine how best
to respond. Your local APS agency can determine the best course of action in any given situation.
Contact Adult Protective Services (APS) if you notice signs of self-neglect. Call 1-800-392-0210 or visit Health.Mo.Gov/abuse or make a report online.
Comments 6
karenluster
I need help I havent been to my primary care or any doctor care in a year lacking in my appearence just wasting away Can’t stand longperiods of time knee replacement and lower back issues Who can helpb me
Aging Ahead
Please reach out to our Community Options Specialist for help and resources. 636-207-0847
James P
The State of Missouri itself as well as St Louis County Health and Human Services neglect seniors as intentionally as individuals. following is my own personal example. I was approved for a In Home Care Giver. Then I received a letter from Missouri HHS itself claiming I no longer met the criteria which is completely false. None of my many conditions hasn’t went away but in fact have gotten worse. Even my Meals on Wheels has been taken away. My stove doesn’t work and hasn’t in months so it’s microwave for me……
Kathy Clay-Grant
It is good to know all of this stuff. I know a lot of times I miss my medication and I don’t take a bath every day.
Daphne Phy
Read this article before within the Aging Ahead connect. Great information for those who care for others and neglect themselves.
Jeremy Jardinel
I especially appreciate how you highlight the underlying risk factors, like grief or isolation, because it helps people realize that self-neglect rarely happens out of stubbornness, it is almost always a quiet cry for help from someone who is overwhelmed or losing their cognitive footing. Your reassurance at the end is a huge relief for readers who might feel guilty or hesitant to speak up. By telling them that a simple “feeling” is enough to justify reaching out to professionals, you take the heavy burden of proof off their shoulders and make it so much easier for vulnerable adults to get the gentle support they actually need.