Which defines who is considered a vulnerable adult and what is considered maltreatment of vulnerable adults?

• A. Validation
• B. Walker
• C. Vulnerable Adult Act
• D. Vision Change

Answer: (C)

Understanding who qualifies as a vulnerable adult and what counts as maltreatment is defined by the Vulnerable Adult Act. This law describes which adults are protected and which actions or omissions count as maltreatment. A vulnerable adult is typically someone 18 or older who cannot care for themselves or protect their rights due to disability, illness, or age-related needs. Maltreatment includes physical harm, neglect of basic needs, abandonment, isolation, or exploitation of finances or resources. This framework guides when and how caregivers and staff must report concerns to protective services. The other options don’t establish these protections: validation is a communication technique, vision change is a health symptom, and Walker isn’t a law that defines vulnerability or maltreatment.