Development of a Conceptual Framework for Severe Self-Neglect (SN) by Modifying the CREST Model for Self-Neglect

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Social Work

Background:

• Self-neglect, defined as failing to meet basic needs, is the most frequent report to adult protective services.
• It often co-occurs with frailty, dementia, poor sleep, and depression in older adults.
• Despite increased awareness, research on elder self-neglect remains limited, with most cases unreported.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a definition of severe self-neglect.
• To identify key concepts and comprehensively describe the syndrome.
• To present and analyze a conceptual framework for its usefulness, generalizability, parsimony, and testability.

Main Methods:

• Literature review to define severe self-neglect.
• Identification of key concepts and syndrome description.
• Development and analysis of a conceptual framework.

Main Results:

• The study defines severe self-neglect and outlines its associated concepts.
• A conceptual framework is presented for understanding and analyzing self-neglect.
• The framework's utility, generalizability, parsimony, and testability are evaluated.

Conclusions:

• Further research is crucial for understanding the etiology, early detection, and prevention of self-neglect.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for intervention tools, including AI, for older adults living alone.
• A comprehensive understanding and a robust conceptual framework are essential for addressing this growing public health concern.