This section defines key terms used in the article, including elder abuse, council, lead agency, participating department, policies, and coordinated system of care.
The following words are defined for the purposes of this article: (1) COORDINATED SYSTEM OF CARE. The total effort in the county, 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 Lauderdale County 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 nonverbal abusive conduct. Examples of psychological abuse 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; 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 nonconsensual 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. A participating department or agency designated by the council to be the lead agency for the council. (5) PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENT. 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 departments, or the executive committee, or other written documents that represent the position of the council concerning any matter within the purview of this article.