Consortium for Research in Elder Self‐Neglect of Texas Research: Advancing the Field for Practitioners

Abstract

An external advisory board consisting of members from the fields of geriatric internal medicine, family practice geriatrics, criminal prosecution, civil law, police force, adult protective services and victims advocacy was created to advise and guide the research conducted by the Consortium for Research in Elder Self-neglect of Texas (CREST). This panel of experts performed site visits and facilitated the research through responses to biweekly facts sheets and quarterly conference calls. This paper provides the perspective of five of the board members regarding the research findings that were presented at the CREST National Conference in 2006. The discussions outline the successes of the CREST research, describe obstacles and the necessary next steps for continuance of the scientific exploration of this syndrome, and highlight the practice implications of the current and proposed research.

Elder self-neglect: The failure of coping because of cognitive and functional impairments

“…However, MMSE scores were found to be poorly correlated with elder self‐neglect (Burnett, Coverdale, Pickens, & Dyer, ; Dong, Simon, Wilson et al, , Dong, Wilson, Mendes de Leon, & Evans, ; Schillerstrom, Salazar, Regwan, & Bonugli, Royall, ). In‐depth cognitive evaluation appeared to be required: 29% of those with self‐neglect did not screen positively for dementia (Mosqueda et al, ). That being said, there is a gradient relationship between MMSE scores and self‐neglect: the lower the MMSE score the higher the prevalence of self‐neglect.…”

“…“Without a well‐defined etiology, attempts to treat it have been neither systematic nor effective” (Thibault, , p. 152). However, despite a lack of data on treatment efficacy, social services such as APS remain expert in available resources (Mosqueda et al, ). States differ in their reporting laws, but providers should not hesitate to consult APS with any concerns, and many locales allow anonymous inquiries.…”

Etiology and Management of Elder Self-Neglect

“…However, Dyer et al noted that cross‐validation of the CREST‐SSS's performance is necessary in future research. Additionally, without having a universal definition of self‐neglect, this scale relies largely on subjective observation (Mosqueda et al, ). Because of the significance of ESN as a public health issue, a valid and reliable tool is essential, and it is hoped further research will work toward developing this resource.…”

Legal Implications Regarding Self‐Neglecting Community‐Dwelling Adults: A Practical Approach for the Community Nurse in Ireland

“…Mosqueda et al (2008) have developed an assessment tool that identifies severity of self‐neglect for use by police officers and victim advocacy personnel called the Self‐Neglect Severity Scale (SSS). However, identification of clients and agreement to testing are barriers in the utilization of such a tool.…”

“…This argument highlights the clear need for some type of accepted screening tool for capacity on the one hand and strict adherence to respect for the individual on the other. Mosqueda et al (2008) have developed an assessment tool that identifies severity of self-neglect for use by police officers and victim advocacy personnel called the Self-Neglect Severity Scale (SSS). However, identification of clients and agreement to testing are barriers in the utilization of such a tool.…”