Neglect

This is caused by an adult, supervisor or caregiver failing to provide food, proper health or sanitary care, clothing or sufficient care. This is a common form of abuse of older people.

Signs of neglect might include:

• Unexplained weight loss or malnutrition
• Untreated medical problems
• Bed sores
• Confusion
• Over-sedation
• Poor personal hygiene
• Deprivation of meals which may constitute “wilful neglect”

The effects of neglect are often a fast deterioration in the victim’s physical and mental health.