Elder neglect is a form of elder abuse. Elder neglect is the failure to fulfill caretaking obligations, whether intentional or unintentional. Neglect includes abandonment or desertion of a senior by the person responsible for care.
The difference between elder neglect and elder abuse is that abuse is an intentional, knowing, deliberate act that causes harm or risk to a vulnerable adult. Negligence is typically a lack of action that results in the failure to fulfill caretaking responsibilities.