# How to Identify and Intervene for Geriatric Self-Neglect

About This Podcast

Self-neglect is the primary type of abuse reported to APS and it is also one of the most complicated geriatric syndromes to manage. It is both a diagnostic challenge, as an older adult will rarely tell you that they can’t take care of themselves anymore, and a care coordination challenge, because it is exacerbated or triggered by medical conditions, cognitive impairment, mental health issues, substance abuse, and poor social support.

In this episode GEMCast host, Dr. Shenvi sits down with Dr. Southerland for a conversation about self-neglect in older adults. Learn about common symptoms, risk factors, and manifestations of self-neglect as well as quick cognitive assessments that can be used to determine if patients have the capacity to care for themselves.

Play the Episode

https://youtu.be/JB3c1H6ZpbU

Resources

Geriatric Medicine | May 17, 2021

Development of a Conceptual Framework for Severe Self-Neglect (SN) by Modifying the CREST Model for Self-Neglect

This article from 2021 derived a conceptual model of why self-neglect occurs in older adults.

View Article

Example of a quick cognitive assessment as outlined by Dr. Southerland

Orientation

Ask for their full name, birthday, and the current date

Ask the patient to introduce anyone else in the room 

Recall

Choose 3 easy, common words for the patient to remember and recall within 5 minutes 

Focus

Numerical option: serial sevens (counting down from 100 by sevens)

Spelling option: spell ‘WORLD’ backward

Other functional question examples: 

“What would you do if you smelled smoke in the house?”

“What’s the most difficult thing around the house for you?”

Next, listen to How to Diagnose and Manage Vertebral Compression Fractures in the ED with Dr. Robert Dachs.

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