Vulnerable Adult Indicators
Vulnerable Adult
Any adult who lacks the physical or mental capacity to provide for the his/her daily needs.
Abuse
The sustaining of any physical injury by a vulnerable adult as a result of cruel or inhumane treatment or as a result of a malicious act by any person.
Indicators
- Abrasions on legs and arms
- Bruises or welts
- Burns
- Fractures
- History of similar injuries
- Injuries caused by cutting , poking, biting, being restrained
- Internal injuries (unexplained reported pain)
- Lacerations
-
Sprains
Neglect
The willful deprivation of adequate food, clothing, medical treatment, or habilitative therapy, shelter or supervision from a vulnerable adult.
Indicators
- Absence of prescribed medication
- Dehydration
- Hunger
- Lack of clean or unsuitable clothing
- Left alone-unsupervised
- Malnutrition
- No food in home
- Poor hygiene
- Skin disorders or rashes
- Untreated bedsores
- Untreated injuries or medical problems
-
Weight loss
Self Neglect
The inability of a vulnerable adult to provide for his/her physical or mental health and well-being, and the absence of which impairs or threatens the vulnerable adult’s well-being.
Indicators
They are the same as neglect but can include:
- Absence of necessities in home (including food, water, or heat)
- Cannot remember when he or she ate
- Confusion
- Unsanitary or unsafe living conditions
- Wandering
Exploitation
Any action which involves the misuse of a vulnerable adult’s funds, property, or person.
Indicators
- Unusual volume or type of banking activity, or activity inconsistent with the victim’s normal behavior or ability
- Non-payment of bills leading to eviction notices or threats to discontinue utilities
- Changes to legal documents such as deeds or powers of attorney that the person did not understand at the time he or she signed them
- Missing assets or funds
- Suspicious signatures on checks or other documents
- Unexplained withdrawals from or transfers between accounts
- Sexually transmitted disease
- Unwanted or non-consensual touching, sexual advances/behaviors with a vulnerable adult