Vulnerability, Adults & Abuse

The Washington Office of the Attorney General defines a vulnerable adult as one who -- by virtue of age, physical injury, disability, disease, emotional or developmental disorders – is unable to independently provide for their own basic necessities of life. According to the National Health Service, adults who are most at risk of abuse at home include:

• those who are isolated and don't have much contact with friends, family or neighbors
• people with memory problems or difficulty communicating with others
• people who don't get on with their caregiver
• those whose caregiver is addicted to drugs or alcohol
• people whose caregiver depends on them for a home and financial and emotional support

What is vulnerable adult abuse?

Vulnerable adult abuse describes any intentional or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. It can include:

• 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 are the signs that a vulnerable adult is being abused?

The following signs may indicate abuse:

• 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 finances or
• unexplained changes in health.

What can prevent abuse of vulnerable adults?

The Attorney General website suggests:

• nurture communities where elders are respected and honored
• report suspected abuse/mistreatment or self-neglect
• find sources of help for vulnerable adults and refer to them
• visit vulnerable individuals regularly and monitor the well being of elderly neighbors
• keep track of medication and doctors’ visits
• volunteer to help
• realize abuse can happen in your family or neighborhood
• speak up when something looks or sounds wrong

How can vulnerable adults protect themselves?

• don’t live with a person who has a background of violent behavior
• don’t hesitate to tell others if you are abused, mistreated, neglected (call your doctor, the clergy, a friend or family member)
• don’t leave cash or valuables out in the open
• don’t give friends or family money you need to live on
• don’t sign a document unless someone you trust reads it
• don’t allow anyone to keep details of your finances or property from you