Vulnerable elders: when it is no longer safe to live alone.

摘要

Americans are fiercely independent, a highly valued personal trait respected by most health care professionals. In some instances, however, when older persons no longer can care for themselves, their personal health, well-being, and even their lives are at risk. Research is needed to develop evidence-based screening tools so that clinicians and their caregiving teams know when and how to intervene.Title XX of the Social Security Act, passed in 1974, mandates states to develop and maintain protective service agencies for senior citizens.5 Since 1981, each state has established its own agency dedicated to protecting vulnerable older persons. By law, these agencies are charged with receiving reports of suspected abuse from family members and persons known by elderly individuals, conducting investigations, and delivering services to elderly individuals whose cases are substantiated. However, the characteristics underlying causes and effects of self-neglecting behavior are poorly defined and not well understood.