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Elder neglect is usually committed by a family member or other caregiver. Unfortunately, elder neglect usually happens because the family member feels overburdened or angered by any inconvenience. Elder neglect is similar to emotional elder abuse, physical elder abuse and financial elder abuse, but it is in it’s own category because it highlights the neglectful actions of a caregiver. Neglect means the caregiver knowingly and even maliciously does not take care of the elder. Neglect usually occurs in the form of:

• malnourishment
• starvation
• under medicating
• not medicating at all
• not seeking medical treatment for the elder
• not dressing the elder appropriately
• leaving the elder outside during bad weather
• not caring for the elder’s physical ailments
• being harsh or cruel to the elder
• not speaking to the elder at all

It’s sometimes hard to determine whether an elder is being neglected. Sometimes it’s hard because the caregiver might try to cover up the signs. An elder might directly tell you he/she is being neglected. If so, listen. Listening is a very important thing to a person who has been neglected. If the elder has not confided in you, here are some common signs of elder neglect:

• being withdrawn and depressed
• losing weight and appearing malnourished
• injuries that are untreated
• injuries that don’t heal
• being underdressed for weather conditions
• being left unattended

If you know an elder is being neglected, there are adult protective services you can call in your state. Notify the police as well. It might also be a good idea to try contacting other family members to let them know of the neglect. Let the elder know you will do everything in your power to help.