Abandonment

The law defines [RCW 74.34.020(1)] abandonment as an action or inaction by a person or entity with a duty of care for a vulnerable adult that leaves the vulnerable person without the means or ability to obtain necessary food, clothing, shelter, or health care.

Examples of abandonment may include:

• A caregiver does not show up for a shift which results in a vulnerable missing required medication;
• A relative who takes care of a vulnerable adult, who cannot walk, leaves that vulnerable adult alone in a wheelchair for hours without access to food or water.
• A person who has been caring for a vulnerable adult with dementia leaves the vulnerable adult at the airport and does not return.

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