In Florida, elder self-neglect accounts for the majority of cases reported to Adult Protective Services. From a legal standpoint, the issues involved in these scenarios are extensive and 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 98-900-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). A trained professional from Adult Protective Services will take the 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 on 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 Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc., the state-designated disability and aging resource center for Charlotte, Collier, Desoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota counties funded in part by the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs.