What is neglect? Neglect occurs when basic needs are not meet for someone. This is not always intentional, sometimes the caregiver is not able to take care of the person or cant afford to care for them. Regardless of intention still must report the neglect. Not taking the person to the doctor, not providing food for the person or not keeping their home/ living space clean are just a few examples.

Self-neglect is defined as a vulnerable adult that puts his or her health, safety or well being at risk. This does not always happen on purpose and to be honest they usually don’t understand the danger they have put them selfs in. People do not want to loose their independence.

Abuse (physical, sexual, and emotional) generally involves more extreme forms of harm to the adult, including the infliction of pain, injury, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or other cruel treatment. This is more prevalent with disabled adults that can not defend them self and do not know how to get help.

Financial Exploitation occurs when a caregiver uses money for things other then the needs and care of the disabled adult. The money is received from a government agency for the care of the adult such as social security .

If you feel that anyone is being abused, neglected, self- neglected or financial exploitation is happening to someone please call the hotline listed for Tennessee residents  1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366) or look for the hotline in your state.