What does abandonment refer to in vulnerable adult care?

Abandonment in the context of vulnerable adult care specifically refers to the failure of a caregiver to maintain adequate contact with the individual under their care. This lack of contact can manifest as neglecting to provide necessary supervision, support, or assistance, which can lead to a range of detrimental effects on the vulnerable person.

When a caregiver does not check in on or communicate with the person, it may create emotional and physical harm, jeopardizing their safety and well-being. Unlike the other options, which pertain to direct acts of harm or neglect in different forms, abandonment focuses explicitly on the absence of engagement and support from the caregiver, emphasizing the responsibility of caregivers to maintain a presence in the lives of those they serve to ensure their safety and needs are being met.