Medical or Physical Neglect
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Individuals with developmental disabilities have a higher risk of experiencing medical and physical neglect. Neglect occurs when a caregiver(s) fails to meet the critical needs of an individual with disabilities. Chronic neglect has long-term adverse effects on an individual’s physical, emotional and cognitive development and can further compromise the functioning of an individual with developmental disabilities.
The Developmental Disabilities Act defines neglect as:
A negligent act or omission by an individual responsible for providing services in a facility rendering care or treatment which caused, or may have caused, injury to an individual served or which placed an individual at risk of injury, and includes an act or omission such as the failure to carry out an appropriate individual program plan or treatment plan, failure to provide adequate nutrition, clothing or health care or the failure to provide a safe environment.
Neglect can take many forms. It can occur in private homes, as well as group settings, such as group homes or institutions, in schools and workplaces. In many cases, primary caregivers, such as parents, family members, personal care assistants or staff members create and maintain situations where neglect occurs. For example, a caregiver can intentionally limit the individual’s food, medication [...]