Understanding Neglect

Neglect is when someone fails to do things that are necessary to meet the needs of a child or an elderly person. Passive neglect is when people don't mean to do harm.  Usually, this is because they just don't know any better.  Active neglect is when people know better and still fail to do what is needed for the care of the vulnerable person.

EXAMPLES OF NEGLECT

• Pressure ulcers, especially those that are advanced and unrecognized by caregivers.
• Contracted muscles from physical immobility and a failure of caregivers to perform range of motion exercises.
• Dehydration and malnutrition.
• Abandonment.  Leaving a helpless child or elderly person alone for any length of time.
• Unsafe or unsanitary living conditions.
• Wandering.  Allowing, or failing to prevent an Alzheimer’s patient from wandering away unsupervised.
• Untreated health problems, ignoring a special diet or medication orders, or not calling a physician when necessary.

HOW YOU CAN HELP PREVENT NEGLECT

• Provide excellent skin care, keeping skin clean, dry and moisturized.  Use powder on areas where skin rubs together.
• Follow the client’s care plan for re-positioning.  If no plan is stated, re-position every two hours.
• Watch for and report signs of dehydration, including decreased urine output, weight loss, sunken eyes, dry mouth and changes in vital signs.
• Never leave a client unattended for any reason. 
• Make sure your client who wanders has safe walking areas that are well lit and free  of clutter.
• Make sure you are clear about your responsibilities when it comes to reporting neglect.   You don’t have to wait for proof of neglect before you report it.  This  could be deadly for your client—and it could potentially leave you guilty of neglect yourself.