The following terms are defined for the purpose of this article as follows:
(1) "Abuse" means causing any physical, mental or sexual injury to an eligible adult, including exploitation of such adult's financial resources.
(2) "Abuser" means a person who abuses, neglects or financially exploits an eligible adult.
(3) "Eligible adult" means a person 60 years of age or older who resides in a domestic living situation and is, or is alleged to be, abused, neglected or financially exploited by another individual or who neglects himself or herself.
(4) "Emergency" means a situation in which an elderly person is living in conditions presenting a risk of death or physical, mental or sexual injury and the provider agency has reason to believe the eligible adult is unable to consent to services which would alleviate that risk.
(5) "Neglect" means another individual's failure to provide an eligible adult with or willful withholding from an eligible adult the necessities of life including, but not limited to, food, clothing, shelter or medical care. This subsection does not create any new affirmative duty to provide support to eligible adults. Nothing in this section shall be construed to mean that an eligible adult is a victim of neglect because of health care services provided or not provided by licensed health care professionals.
(6) "Self-neglect" means a condition that is the result of an eligible adult's inability, due to physical or mental impairments, or both, or a diminished capacity, to perform essential self-care tasks including: providing essential food, clothing, shelter, and medical care; and obtaining goods and services necessary to maintain physical health, mental health, emotional well-being, and general safety.
(7) "Substantiated case" means a reported case of alleged or suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation in which a provider agency, after assessment, determines that there is reason to believe abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation has occurred.
(Added Coun. J. 11-19-08, p. 47220, Art. VI, § 1)