Leaving an older adult in a public space is categorized as which form of elder mistreatment?

• A. Abandonment
• B. Neglect
• C. Physical abuse
• D. Financial exploitation

Answer: (A)

Leaving an older adult in a public space is abandonment of care. It involves deserting someone who depends on others for safety and support, which is a form of elder mistreatment because it puts the person at risk and shows a withdrawal of caregiving responsibility. Abandonment is distinct from neglect in that it focuses on the act of desertion itself, whereas neglect broadly refers to failing to meet ongoing needs like food, shelter, or medical care. Physical abuse means causing physical harm, and financial exploitation involves misuse of an elder’s money or resources.