What term refers to the wrongful use or exploitation of a resident's belongings without their consent?

The term "misappropriation" specifically refers to the wrongful use or exploitation of a resident's belongings without their consent. This concept highlights the unauthorized taking or utilizing of someone else's property, particularly in contexts where individuals are vulnerable or dependent on care services. Misappropriation in healthcare settings often involves staff members improperly using a resident's financial assets, personal items, or resources for their own gain.

In contrast, exploitation encompasses a broader range of unethical or inappropriate actions that take advantage of a person’s vulnerability, but it does not specifically focus on the misuse of tangible items. Fraud typically refers to deceitful practices aimed at securing unfair or unlawful gain, while embezzlement involves the misappropriation of funds or property entrusted to one's care, often through deceptive means. Each of these concepts touches on financial or property misuse, but "misappropriation" distinctly identifies the direct act of taking or using someone's belongings without permission, which aligns perfectly with the question posed.