Glossary

Accessory Dwelling Unit

extra living unit on a property, complete with kitchen, bathroom and sleeping facilities

Adult Protective Services department

public safety program tasked with receiving and investigating allegations of abuse, neglect and exploitation of the elderly

Board and Care homes

residential private homes that have been licensed by the Department of Social Services to provide services to seniors

Elder abuse

general term used to describe certain types of harm to older adults

Emotional abuse

causing of mental or emotional distress to an elder by means of humiliation, intimidation or threats

Financial abuse

improper act of using the resources of an elder for someone else's benefit without their consent

Home care

health care or supportive care provided in the patient's home by healthcare professionals or by family and friends

Managed care plan

a health benefit plan that requires or creates incentives for an insured person to use providers that are owned, managed, or under contract with the insurer offering the health benefit plan

Medicaid

United States health program for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and resources that is jointly funded by the states and federal government, and is managed by the states.

Medicare

social insurance program administered by the United States government, providing health insurance coverage to people who are aged 65 and over, or who meet other special criteria.

Medicare Supplement Insurance

insurance providing supplemental health coverage for Medicare beneficiaries

Neglect

failure to provide food, water, clothing, shelter, hygiene, medication, safety and comfort by someone who is responsible for the elder

Physical abuse

willful inflicting of pain or injury to an elderly person

Sexual abuse

coercing of an elder through force, trickery, threats or other means into unwanted sexual activity