What typically characterizes active neglect?

Active neglect is characterized by willful or intentional behavior aimed at harming the welfare of an individual. This form of neglect involves a conscious decision to withhold necessary care, support, or services, resulting in harm or the potential for harm to the person in need, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Unlike inadvertent mistakes, which may arise from oversight or lack of knowledge, active neglect signifies a deliberate choice to neglect someone's needs.

In contrast, inadvertent mistakes in care arise from errors that are not purposeful, reflecting poor judgment or knowledge gaps rather than a decision to harm. Behavior that is unintentional and passive indicates negligence stemming from a lack of action rather than intent to neglect, typically because of indifference rather than malice. Finally, neglect resulting from a lack of resources suggests that the caregiver is unable to provide adequate care due to financial, physical, or emotional constraints rather than an intentional choice to neglect. Active neglect requires an understanding that the caregiver consciously chose to fail in their duty of care, which distinguishes this form from other types of neglect or oversight.