Can standardized measures provide helpful feedback about adult protective services substantiation? Pilot data from a short self-neglect assessment

Figures & data

Figure 1. Box and whisker plot by ISO Matrix score and substantiation category.

Table

Directions: Please check a box after each question (all questions refer to ongoing problems). Yes – means that the problem is directly observable or reported by client or collateral; Some indication – means suspicion that the problem is there, but there is no unequivocal proof; No – means there is no evidence or suspicion that abuse is occurring; DK – means there is no information available to make the decision. RF – the client or collateral refused to answer.	Yes (2)	Some Indication (1)	No (0)	Don’t Know (.)	Refused (.)
SNEGL 1. Does the (Client) have poor personal hygiene as evidenced by a noticeable odor, long and dirty fingernails, etc.?	□	□	□	□	□
SNEGL 2. Does the (Client) lack needed medications or medical equipment (including eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, walkers, etc.)?	□	□	□	□	□
SNEGL 3. Does the (Client’s) home or yard appear unsafe or unsanitary that violates the health and safety codes? For example, having clutter near a heating source, or animal hoarding.	□	□	□	□	□
SNEGL 4. Are there odors in (Client’s) home that raise concerns (urine, feces, garbage)?	□	□	□	□	□
SNEGL 5. Does the (Client) show signs of malnourishment or dehydration?	□	□	□	□	□
SNEGL 6. Other indicator(s) of self-neglect. For example, financial self-neglect (such as unpaid bills), lice, bedbugs, cockroaches, mice and other infestations, dangerous room temperature.	□	□	□	□	□

Table

	Number of Cases by Self-Neglect Substantiation Decision
Self-Neglect ISO Matrix Scores	Unfounded	Inconclusive	Confirmed	Total
12	0	1	7	8
11	0	0	6	6
10	0	0	21	21
9	0	0	20	20
8	1	2	38	41
7	0	1	39	40
6	1	0	78	79
5	1	8	62	71
4	4	10	100	114
3	3	8	80	91
2	18	40	152	210
1	15	27	71	113
0	136	95	147	378
Total	179	192	821	1192

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, P. L., upon reasonable request. Restrictions may apply to the availability of these data based on data usage agreement between Purdue University and San Francisco Adult Protective Services.