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Seniors and squalor : competency, autonomy, and the mistake of forced intervention

Author

Johnson, Lisa (Lisa Carol), 1967- author.

Title

Seniors and squalor : competency, autonomy, and the mistake of forced intervention / Lisa Johnson.

Format

Book

Published

Santa Barbara, California : Praeger, an imprint of ABC-CLIO, LLC, [2018] ©2018

Description

vi, 202 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm

Notes

Includes bibliographical references (pages 185-194) and index.

Contents

• This strange phenomenon
• Fuzzy borders
• Values of the body politic
• What can be done?
• What should be done?

Summary

This book examines the widespread and growing phenomenon of mentally competent senior citizens living in self-imposed squalor and refusing help, whether from health care professionals, government, or family. At this juncture of medicine and law, many families have experienced frustration, embarrassment, and heartbreak. The book also explores associated ethical questions, arguing that society can address the problem while respecting individual legal autonomy.

Subject headings

Older people--Health and hygiene. Older people--Mental health. Social work with older people. Older people--Health and hygiene--United States. Older people--Mental health--United States. Social work with older people--United States.

Medical subjects

Social Problems. Aged. Mental Competency. Self-Neglect--psychology. Personal Autonomy. Public Policy. Independent Living. United States.

ISBN

9781440853999 (hardback ; alk. paper) 1440853991 (hardback ; alk. paper) 9781440854002 (ebook)