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Self-neglect, same - worsening

BeaSenior Contributor30 Jan 2023, 1:56 pm AEDT

Self-neglect, same - worsening

LO lives solo, with home services (NDIS funded).

Unable to self-care personal hygiene tasks but has support by wonderful Support Workers 2 x visits per day.

Lives with continence problems. Received professional advice: basically, unable to be cured, so must be endured + aim to contain.

Already using the most absorbent products but issue is unable to independently change when soiled. Was single now double incontinence. More frequent accidents both home & out. Family unable to take LO out in community with Support Workers to accompany.

I no longer wish to visit due to home odours.

Has not sought medical treatment or if has, hasn't followed though with any tests/advice. Is resistant to suggestions to seek more help.

I can inform GP. Is there anything else I can do?

All advice welcome!

5 replies

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In response to: Self-neglect, same - worsening

Unknown userMember30 Jan 2023, 7:33 pm AEDT

Re: Self-neglect, same - worsening

Heya @Bea, thank you for sharing this all with us. I imagine it's distressing and painful to see this happening to a LO. How are you coping with it?

I don't know if I have any ideas on what else to do, but I thought I'd tag a few folks who might have some ideas on caring for others generally and how to encourage them to seek some extra help @Shaz51 @Determined @tired_sisyphus ❤️

In response to: Self-neglect, same - worsening

David_888Senior Contributor30 Jan 2023, 7:34 pm AEDT

Re: Self-neglect, same - worsening

@Bea

Try focusing more on the lumbar area of your back. We often don't use that area when sitting down. So it can get weak.

Also, buy a shower back scrub. It helps a lot in the shower so that you don't have to reach as far.

In response to: Self-neglect, same - worsening

Shaz51Senior Contributor30 Jan 2023, 8:46 pm AEDT

Re: Self-neglect, same - worsening

Hello and hugs @Bea

I would be talking to the doctors

There is other services such as " Blue care"

" my agedcare ",

In response to: Self-neglect, same - worsening

FloatingFeatherSenior Contributor31 Jan 2023, 10:43 am AEDT

Re: Self-neglect, same - worsening

Hi @Bea,

It sounds like a challenging situation for all involved. I think you are right in informing the GP and see if they are able to talk with LO. It's a shame that LO is resistant to medical treatment because maybe this problem could be reduced if they sought help.

It's a tough on all involved - also reminds me what a great job support workers, people that work in aged care, nurses etc do. I think they are the type of jobs not many people would be able to handle.

I wish I had some advice or wisdom but I hope you find a solution soon.

Best wishes,

FloatingFeather

In response to: Self-neglect, same - worsening

tired_sisyphusSenior Contributor31 Jan 2023, 5:27 pm AEDT

Re: Self-neglect, same - worsening

@Bea thanks for sharing. Sounds like a very hard time for you, and must be difficult to navigate especially the resistance to seek help.

I agree that talking to the GP is helpful, if anything helps you hopefully navigate the situation better.

I don't have someone in your exact situation, although I do have older loved ones who also have certain issues, that should necessitate help, but resistant to the idea that they need it. Personally I just do what I can to validate their feelings, no blame (both on self and them).

Hoping you get something out of these forums too. Thanks for being here again.

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