Community Dimensions of Elderly Self-Neglect

Abstract

SUMMARYMuch recent literature has focused on the impact of self-neglecting behavior on elders. Little attention, however, has been paid to the impact of this phenomenon on the communities in which self-neglecting elders live. Family members, neighbors, and service professionals can all be adversely affected by the behavior of these patients. This article reflects on the ways in which the community is affected by elder self-neglect and discusses the inherent conflicts between protecting the rights of the individual and the rights of the community.