Texas Jurisprudence Exam Physician Assistant Practice Exam

What is necessary for a caretaker to avoid being charged with neglect?

1. Regular verbal check-ins

2. Providing all necessary goods and services

3. Offering only emotional support

4. Allowing independent living

The correct answer is: Providing all necessary goods and services

To avoid being charged with neglect, it is essential for a caretaker to provide all necessary goods and services to those they are caring for. This encompasses not only meeting basic physical needs such as food, water, shelter, and medical care but also ensuring that the individual's emotional, social, and recreational needs are addressed. Fulfillment of these needs is crucial in maintaining the health, safety, and welfare of the person receiving care. Regular verbal check-ins may provide some level of support but are insufficient if the actual tangible needs of the individual are not being met. Offering only emotional support might help with psychological well-being, but it does not substitute for the physical care required to prevent neglect. Allowing independent living can be beneficial, yet it must be balanced with appropriate supervision and assistance to ensure that the individual can safely manage their own needs without risking neglect. In essence, the primary responsibility of a caretaker is to actively provide and ensure that all necessary supports are in place, which directly helps to mitigate the risk of being accused of neglect.