In Florida elder self-neglect accounts for the majority of cases reported to Adult Protective Services. From a legal standpoint, the problems involved in these scenarios are very extensive and the issues are complicated. All citizens are mandatory reporters of any suspected elder abuse – self-inflicted or otherwise. Mandatory reporting means that anyone who knows, or has reasonable cause to suspect that a vulnerable adult has been or is being abused, neglected, or exploited shall immediately report such knowledge or suspicion to the Abuse Hotline toll-free at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). A trained professional from Adult Protective Services will take your report and investigate. Your confidential report can help save an elder’s life.

Self-neglect occurs when a vulnerable individual fails to provide themselves with whatever is necessary to prevent physical harm, emotional harm, or pain resulting in the deterioration of their health, personal care or living situation.   A vulnerable adult refers to a person age 18 or older whose ability to perform the normal activities of daily living, and/or to provide for his or her own care and protection is impaired.

If you know someone who is a victim of self-neglect, MAKE THE CALL TO THE ABUSE HOTLINE toll-free at 1-800-962-2873 or the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-963-5337.

 

A Public Service Announcement from the Senior Connection Center, for the state-designated counties of Hillsborough, Manatee, Polk, Highlands and Hardee, funded in part by the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs.

Senior Connection Center is a private nonprofit 501(c)(3)organization. Our mission is to help seniors live independently and with dignity. We accomplish this by connecting seniors and their caregivers with the services they need.