Neglect is defined as the refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a person's obligations or duties to an elder. Neglect may also include failure of a person who has fiduciary responsibilities to provide care for an elder (e.g., pay for necessary home care services) or the failure on the part of an in-home service provider to provide necessary care.
Seniors can also suffer neglect at their own hands, which is referred to as self-neglect, which is characterized as the behavior of an elderly person that threatens his/her own health or safety. Self-neglect generally manifests itself in an older person as a refusal or failure to provide himself/herself with adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medication (when indicated), and safety precautions.
Michigan defines "neglect" as: "harm to an adult's health or welfare caused by the inability of the adult to respond to a harmful situation or by the conduct of a person who assumes responsibility for a significant aspect of the adult's health or welfare. Neglect includes the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care."
Elder law attorneys and advocates work with seniors suffering from neglect and their families in a number of ways, including:
If your loved one may be suffering from neglect, learn more about our elder rights advocacy services or contact Estate Planning & Elder Law Services for a free consultation about your concerns.
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