This section defines key terms used in the chapter, including elder abuse, council, participating agency, policies, and the lead agency.
The following words are defined for the purposes of this chapter: (1) COORDINATED SYSTEM OF CARE. The total effort in the state, inclusive of service coordination/case management, that is directed at meeting the needs of individuals who are at risk of elder abuse. (2) COUNCIL. The Alabama Interagency Council for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. (3) ELDER ABUSE. The maltreatment of an older person, age 60 or above, by any person, including the following: a. Emotional/Psychological Abuse. The intentional infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation, intimidation, or other verbal or non-verbal abusive conduct. Examples of psychological abuse include name calling, insulting, ignoring for extended periods of time, frightening, intimidating, and isolating from friends and family. b. Material Exploitation. The unauthorized use of funds or any resources of an elderly individual or the misuse of power of attorney or representative payee status for one’s own advantage or profit. Examples include stealing jewelry or other property and obtaining the elderly person’s signature for transfer of property or for a will through duress or coercion. c. Neglect. The intentional or unintentional failure by the caregiver to obtain adequate goods or services for the elderly person’s maintenance and well-being. Examples include a caregiver who fails to buy groceries or prescription medications. d. Physical Abuse. The intentional use of physical force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. Examples of physical abuse include beating, slapping, bruising, cutting, burning, pushing or shoving, excessively restraining, force-feeding, and physical punishment. e. Self-neglect. Behavior of an elderly person that threatens his or her own health or safety. Examples are failure to provide oneself with adequate food, clothing, shelter, medication, safety, and proper hygiene. f. Sexual Abuse. The non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly individual. Examples include fondling of the breast or genitals, rape, coerced nudity, and sexually explicit photographing. (4) LEAD AGENCY. The Department of Senior Services shall be designated to be the lead agency for the council. (5) PARTICIPATING AGENCY. A department, commission, council, board, division, community service provider, or an office or other entity which may provide services to individuals at risk of elder abuse and their families. (6) POLICIES. Directives by the lead agency, participating agencies, the executive committee, or other written documents that represent the position of the council concerning any matter within the purview of this chapter.