Definition of vulnerable adult2

1

In these Regulations “vulnerable adult” means a person aged 18 or over who is receiving services of a type listed in paragraph (2) below and in consequence of a condition of a type listed in paragraph (3) below has a disability of a type listed in paragraph (4) below.

2

The services are—

a

accommodation and nursing or personal care in a care home;

b

personal care or nursing or support to live independently in his own home;

c

any services provided by an independent hospital, independent clinic, independent medical agency or National Health Service body;

d

social care services; or

e

any services provided in an establishment catering for a person with learning difficulties.

3

The conditions are—

a

a learning or physical disability;

b

a physical or mental illness, chronic or otherwise, including an addiction to alcohol or drugs; or

c

a reduction in physical or mental capacity.

4

The disabilities are—

a

a dependency upon others in the performance of, or a requirement for assistance in the performance of, basic physical functions;

b

severe impairment in the ability to communicate with others; or

c

impairment in a person’s ability to protect himself from assault, abuse or neglect.

5

In this regulation “care home”, “independent clinic”, “independent hospital”, “independent medical agency” and “National Health Service body” have the same meanings as in the Care Standards Act 20002.