Legal Definitions - vulnerable adult

A vulnerable adult is an individual aged 18 or older who, due to a physical or mental impairment, advanced age, or illness, is unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. This diminished capacity often means they struggle to make informed decisions, manage their own affairs, or report harm effectively. Laws protecting vulnerable adults aim to safeguard their their well-being and ensure they receive appropriate care and support.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of a vulnerable adult:

• Scenario: Mrs. Eleanor Vance, an 85-year-old widow, lives alone and has been diagnosed with moderate Alzheimer's disease. She frequently forgets recent events, struggles to pay her bills on time, and has difficulty distinguishing between legitimate callers and telemarketing scams.

  Explanation: Mrs. Vance is a vulnerable adult because her advanced age and cognitive impairment (Alzheimer's) significantly reduce her ability to manage her finances, protect her assets, and recognize or resist exploitation by fraudsters. Her condition makes her susceptible to financial abuse or neglect if she cannot properly care for herself or her home.

• Scenario: David, a 35-year-old man, has a severe intellectual disability and lives in a supervised group home. He has limited verbal communication skills and requires assistance with most daily living activities, including personal hygiene and meal preparation. He relies entirely on his caregivers for his basic needs and decision-making.

  Explanation: David is considered a vulnerable adult due to his severe intellectual disability. This impairment prevents him from understanding complex social interactions, making independent decisions about his care, or reporting any potential mistreatment. His complete dependence on others for his well-being places him in a position where he could easily be neglected or abused without his knowledge or ability to seek help.

• Scenario: Sarah, a 40-year-old woman, is recovering from a severe stroke that has left her partially paralyzed and unable to speak clearly. She is bedridden at home and requires 24-hour care from a hired attendant for all her personal needs, including feeding, bathing, and medication administration.

  Explanation: Sarah is a vulnerable adult because her severe physical disability and communication impairment render her completely dependent on her caregiver. She cannot physically defend herself, move independently, or clearly articulate concerns or complaints about her care. This makes her highly susceptible to neglect, physical abuse, or even financial exploitation if her caregiver were to misuse her funds or neglect her medical needs.