Vulnerable adults are defined (under the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Regulations 2002) as people aged 18 or over who are receiving any one the following services.
- accommodation and nursing or personal care in a care home
- personal care or nursing or support to live independently in their own homes
- any services provided by an independent hospital, independent clinic, independent medical agency or National Health Service body
- social care services
- any services by a provider catering for people with learning difficulties and who as a result of a learning or physical disability or a physical or mental illness, (temporary or chronic), including drug or alcohol addiction or reduced physical or mental capacity are dependent on others or need assistance in performing basic physical functions or severely impaired in their ability to communicate or impaired in their ability protect themselves from assault, abuse or neglect.
However, it is important to also note that a vulnerable adult may not yet have a diagnosis but may still be deemed as vulnerable if they are experiencing low well-being.
