What is vulnerable adult abuse?
Vulnerable adult abuse is a term used to describe any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Elder Abuse is: • Pushing, hitting, punching • Shouting at, berating, intimidating, or threatening to harm an elderly person • Taking financial advantage of one who is lonely, vulnerable or has memory lapses • Taking money an elderly person needs, “borrowing” money with no intention to pay it back, tricking someone into buying something they have no use for • Neglecting an elderly person’s physical, medical and emotional needs or • Allowing an older adult to neglect their personal needs. What to look for: • Unexplained injuries, bruises, burns, puncture wounds, cuts, sunken eyes and/or welts • Excessive fears, withdrawal, agitation • Sudden inability to pay bills, buy food or personal items • Changes in appetite or unusual weight gain or loss • Poor personal hygiene • Does not know personal fina
