Exploitation and Signs of Exploitation
Statutory definition: AS 47.24.900 (7)
"The unjust or improper use of another person or another person’s resources for one’s own profit or advantage."
One common example of exploitation is a situation in which a family member or “friends” have moved into a vulnerable adult's home to "take care" of him, but are not doing so. This is an example of a "caregiver" using someone's resources for personal gain and advantage. Some other common signs of exploitation are:
- Reports of "no food" or "not enough"
- Reports of "no money" or "not enough"
- Reports of "no necessary supplies" or "not enough"
- Reports of "no medications" or "not enough"
- Complaints that specific personal resources are missing
- Complaints that money is missing
- Complaints of excessive, unsubstantiated bills
An exploitive relationship can also develop over time. A vulnerable adult who has had a healthy relationship with someone can find that she is being exploited now.