Rhode Island law recognizes that vulnerable adults, particularly the elderly, may be subject to neglect and abandonment. Such actions, when perpetrated by a child or another individual legally or morally obligated to provide care, constitute a form of elder abuse. The legal framework defines a “responsible person” as someone entrusted with the care, custody, or control of an elderly individual, whether formally through legal guardianship or informally through familial or social obligations. Abandonment, in this context, signifies the desertion or willful forsaking of that elderly person by their caretaker, leaving them without the necessary support and resources for their well-being. This can manifest as physical desertion, neglect of essential needs such as food, medication, or hygiene, or failure to protect the elder from harm.
The significance of defining this situation lies in providing legal recourse for the vulnerable and holding responsible parties accountable. Recognizing this specific form of maltreatment allows authorities to intervene promptly, ensuring the elder’s safety and providing them with necessary care. Historically, societal expectations placed a strong emphasis on familial care for elders. The formal codification of abandonment as a form of abuse reflects a societal shift, acknowledging that relying solely on familial responsibility is insufficient to protect vulnerable adults, and establishing a legal framework for intervention when such obligations are neglected. This also acknowledges the power imbalances that can exist within familial caregiving situations.
