Which of the following is an example of financial abuse?

• A. Financial abuse
• B. Malpractice
• C. Verbal abuse
• D. Sexual abuse

Answer: (A)

Financial abuse is when someone takes or misuses another person’s money or valuables, especially someone who depends on them for care. In a home health setting, this includes a caregiver or trusted person stealing cash, forging checks, using the client’s credit cards, or pressuring them to sign over money or assets. Those acts exploit the client’s financial resources for the abuser’s gain.

The other types describe harm in different areas: malpractice is failing to provide proper professional care, verbal abuse involves harming someone through words or threats, and sexual abuse is unwanted sexual contact or exploitation. They are distinct forms of harm and do not involve compromising the person’s finances.

If you suspect financial abuse, report it to your supervisor and document what you’ve observed, so the client’s safety and finances can be protected.