Final answer:
Abandonment is classified by the desertion of an individual by someone with the duty to care for them, and it's recognized as a form of elder abuse, with signs and symptoms that indicate neglect.
Step-by-step explanation:
The criterion for something to be classified as abandonment typically involves the desertion or willful forsaking of an individual by a party who has the responsibility to provide care. In a legal context, especially in relation to elder care, abandonment constitutes a form of abuse and is recognized by authorities like the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA). Certain signs and symptoms may indicate abandonment, such as the sudden lack of care, isolation, or the absence of a caretaker.
Abandonment and self-neglect are part of a spectrum of elder abuse that demands vigilance and action to protect vulnerable individuals. Any suspicion of such should be reported to the appropriate authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected individuals.