How is adult neglect defined in the context of APS?

Adult neglect, in the context of Adult Protective Services (APS), is defined as failing to provide necessary care that leads to a risk of harm for the individual. This can include a lack of adequate food, shelter, medical care, or assistance with daily living activities, which can significantly jeopardize an adult's health and safety. The key element in this definition is the failure to fulfill the caregiving responsibilities that result in potential or actual harm to the adult. It is essential for APS to identify situations where neglect may place an adult at risk and to take action to mitigate those risks.

The other options, while they may involve issues related to care or support, do not encapsulate the broader definition of neglect. For example, forgetting to pay bills on time might affect financial stability but does not necessarily lead to an immediate risk to personal safety or health. Restricting access to healthcare services may be a form of abuse or manipulation rather than neglect, as it implies an intentional act to prevent care rather than failing to provide it. Mismanaging personal finances, although potentially harmful, does not squarely fall under neglect unless it directly leads to a lack of necessary care. Therefore, the focus on the failure to provide necessary care that results in risk or harm is