Factors

Low Risk

Intermediate Risk

High Risk

Adult's Physical and Mental Abilities

Cares for and protects self without assistance

Requires limited assistance to care for and protect self

Completely unable to care for or protect self

Adult's Perception of Risk

Appropriate perception of risk

Questionable perception of risk

Inappropriate perception of risk

Caregiver's Level of Cooperation

Aware of problem; works with Social Service agency to resolve problem and protect adult

Limited cooperation with Social Service agency

Doesn't believe there is a problem; refuses to cooperate

Caregiver's Physical and Mental Abilities/Control

Realistic expectation of adult; can plan to correct problem

Poor reasoning abilities; may be physically disabled; needs planning assistance to protect adult

Poor conception of reality unable or unwilling to protect adult

Rationality of Perpetrator's Behavior

Accidental injury adequate supervision (rational)

Unintentional minor injury resulting from use of inappropriate force.

Injury is the result of a desire to harm the adult seriously (irrational)

Perpetrator's Access to Adult

No access to adult

Access to adult is difficult

Complete access to adult

Previous History of Abuse/Neglect abuse/neglect

No previously reported history of allegations

Previous abuse/ neglect of adult not Priority 1

Previous abuse/ neglect of adult included Priority 1 allegations

Physical Condition of Home

Home is clean with no apparent safety or health hazards

Trash and garbage not disposed, animal droppings in home.

Structurally unsound, leaky roof and windows; wall bending under weight; holes in exterior walls

Support Systems

Family, neighbors, or friends available; access to community resources

Family supportive but not in geographic area; some support from friends

family has no relatives or friends and is isolated from community resources

Extent of Serious Harm

Abuse/Neglect as no discernible effect on adult

Abuse/Neglect resulting in physical injury discomfort; medical attention may be needed

Abuse/Neglect results in death when other vulnerable adults are present; or serious dysfunction of organ or limb which requires immediate medical attention

Stress

Stable environment

Financial burdens; financial difficulties

Household disrupted by death or divorce; total care responsibility without relief