CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – It can be hard to recognize when a senior citizen starts to have trouble taking care of themselves.  Elder self-neglect is a problem not many are able to understand and get in front of. 

The big reason for this, Community Outreach Specialist with BrightStar Care of Charlottesville Korey Hess says, is that elder self-neglect can be tricky to recognize by someone who is personally involved in the situation. 

“When you’re in the picture, it’s hard to see the big picture,” Hess said. 

The Signs of Self-Neglect 

The signs of elder self-neglect vary from person to person, situation to situation.  Despite this, Hess says there are some strong signs that crop up with many seniors. Weight loss, skipping meals, and not cleaning the house or themselves can indicate losing the energy and mental acuity to remember basic day-to-day maintenance. 

Similarly, failure to keep to a schedule, not paying bills on time or at all, skipping medication, regular checkups, and doctor’s appointments often denotes self-neglect. Hess mentioned these dangerous, seemingly unnoteworthy lapses in self-care happen because it’s hard to recognize your own struggle. 

“Often people have trouble recognizing self-neglect, because it’s a very daunting word,” Hess said. 

How BrightStar Can Help 

Cases of self-neglect can also range from light to extreme, making it even harder for friends and family members to recognize it. Luckily, an agency like BrightStar can provide an outside, impartial perspective on a situation, and can share expert insight on what needs to change, and help someone who needs homecare through these difficult, but very normal challenges. 

“It’s all about having someone being there that’s not with (the family) to really see that change,” Hess said.

Hess said as a Community Outreach Specialist, he is able to notice signs of elder self-neglect early on in his process. 

“Without meeting the family before, I’m able to recognize these things,” he said. “We talk about what’s going on, how we can help, and what, that we see, is slipping.”

Starting the conversation

Above all, the challenge Hess most often witnesses comes from elders who are worried about being a burden on their families. 

“We are not here to take over or change your life, we are here to be a helping hand to make the hard things easy,” Hess said 

Hess added BrightStar can be that extra set of hands for those who do not want to rely on your family.  He advises starting the conversation about home care early and making sure everyone is on the same page.

If families need help facilitating that conversation, he suggests giving BrightStar a call.