Which term involves intentionally causing pain or suffering to a vulnerable adult?

The term that involves intentionally causing pain or suffering to a vulnerable adult is abuse. Abuse encompasses a range of harmful actions directed at individuals who may not be able to protect themselves, including physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological harm. It is characterized by a deliberate intention to inflict suffering or endanger the well-being of the individual.

In the context of vulnerable adults, who may have impairments that limit their ability to defend themselves, abuse can take many forms, and understanding this term is crucial for caregivers and professionals in home care settings. Recognizing the signs of abuse is vital in order to protect these individuals and ensure their safety and dignity.

Financial exploitation, neglect, and abandonment, while serious and detrimental to vulnerable adults, do not specifically refer to the intentional infliction of pain or suffering. Financial exploitation involves misappropriating an individual's financial resources, neglect refers to the failure to provide necessary care, and abandonment involves leaving an individual without assistance or care. Each of these issues is critical to address, but they do not fit the definition of actively causing harm in the same way that abuse does.