Articles

No Sure Cure for Elder Self-Neglect: A Case Study

Levin, Jeff

Self-neglecting elders often ignore their own health needs and live unsafely in conditions of squalor. Their choice to live in isolation prevents intervention by loved ones, medical professionals, or agencies such as Adult Protective Services. This case study of a 76-year-old man details the many ways in which self-neglect can affect individuals and those around them. The ethical questions involved illustrate a social work dilemma of weighing an individual’s right to make lifestyle choices versus forcing one to adapt to society’s standards.

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Title
Columbia Social Work Review
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7916/cswr.v9i1.1958

More About This Work

Academic Units
Social Work
Published Here
February 13, 2013