Neglect as an aspect of the mistreatment of elderly people: reflections on the issues

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Journal of Adult Protection, The

ISSN: 1466-8203

Online from: 1999

Subject Area: Health and Social Care

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Document Information:
Title:	Neglect as an aspect of the mistreatment of elderly people: reflections on the issues
Author(s):	Olive Stevenson, (Professor Emeritus of Social Work, School of Social Studies, University of Nottingham)
Citation:	Olive Stevenson, (2008) "Neglect as an aspect of the mistreatment of elderly people: reflections on the issues", Journal of Adult Protection, The, Vol. 10 Iss: 1, pp.24 - 35
Keywords:	Definitions, Morality, Neglect, Old people, Prevalence
Article type:	General review
DOI:	10.1108/14668203200800005 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Abstract:	This paper discusses the neglect of old people as an element of mistreatment. It considers the definition and prevalence of neglect and issues arising both in self-neglect and in the context of professional and personal relationships. It is argued that the underlying reasons for ‘omissions of care’ are various and complex and that distinctions between ‘intentional’ and ‘unintentional’ neglect may be unhelpful. Present evidence suggests that it is the oldest and most vulnerable of elderly citizens who are most likely to experience neglect and that the numbers are not inconsiderable. This has far reaching implications for society and for many aspects of social policy and poses a moral challenge to us all.