“Neglect” in relation to a Vulnerable Adult (VA), means the lack of provision to the individual of essential care (such as but not limited to food, clothing, medical aid, lodging and other necessities of life), to the extent of causing or being reasonably likely to cause personal injury or physical pain to, or injury to the mental or physical health of the VA.

“Self-neglect”, in relation to a VA, means the failure of the VA to perform essential tasks of daily living (such as but not limited to eating, dressing and seeking medical aid) to care for himself or herself, resulting in the individual:

a. living in grossly unsanitary or hazardous conditions;

b. suffering from malnutrition or dehydration; or

c. suffering from an untreated physical or mental illness or injury.

You can find more information on these definitions in Section 2 of the Vulnerable Adults Act (VAA)[here].