Self‐neglect in later life

Although considerable attention has been given to the abuse and neglect of older people by others, little attention has been given to self‐neglect in later life. This paper reviews the research literature on self‐neglect which comes primarily from the medical profession. It is argued that evidence that gross self‐neglect constitutes a specific psychiatric syndrome (commonly referred to as Diogenes syndrome) is scant. Given current moves to make legal provision for the protection of ‘vulnerable’ older people, more rigorous research into self‐neglect is required.