Home Alone, and in Danger

Abstract

For anyone who has ever worked in an emergency room, the presentation is all too familiar. The ambulance brings in a patient who is stuporous and dehydrated, often with decubitus ulcers and covered with feces and urine. No one knows of any family members, and the only accompanying medical information is “found at home.” At times physicians seem to dislike caring for such patients. Their feelings range from embarrassment to hostility. Sometimes the patient is referred to demeaningly as “gomer,” “failure to thrive,” “social problem,” or worse. These reactions are not only unprofessional but also sad and ironic. As a . . .