Elder Abuse Prevention Glossary

Key Terms Related to Adult Protective Services, Elder Care, and Safety

 

This glossary provides clear definitions of commonly used terms related to elder abuse prevention, Adult Protective Services (APS), senior care, and vulnerable adult protection.

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APS – Adult Protective Services

Adult Protective Services (APS) is a state-administered program that investigates reports of elder abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and financial exploitation involving older adults and dependent adults.

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ALF – Assisted Living Facility

An Assisted Living Facility provides housing, meals, supervision, and assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) for individuals who do not require 24-hour skilled nursing care.​

 

SNF – Skilled Nursing Facility

A Skilled Nursing Facility provides 24-hour medical and nursing care, rehabilitation services, and physician oversight for individuals with complex medical needs.

 

POA – Power of Attorney

A legal document that allows one person to make financial, legal, or healthcare decisions on behalf of another individual.​

 

NAEAP – National Association for Elder Abuse Prevention

The National Association for Elder Abuse Prevention (NAEAP) is dedicated to education, awareness, and prevention of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation through professional collaboration and community outreach.

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Care & Living Terms

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ADLs – Activities of Daily Living

Basic self-care tasks including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, and mobility.

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IADLs – Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

Tasks required for independent living such as managing medications, finances, transportation, housekeeping, and meal preparation.

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Memory Care

Specialized residential care designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

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Long-Term Care (LTC)

A range of services that assist individuals with medical and personal care needs over an extended period of time.

 

Home Health Care

Medical or therapeutic services provided in a person’s home by licensed healthcare professionals.

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Hospice Care

Hospice is specialized care focused on comfort, dignity, and quality of life for individuals with a life-limiting illness, typically when curative treatment is no longer pursued.

 

Palliative Care

Palliative care provides relief from pain, symptoms, and stress of serious illness at any stage, and can be given alongside curative treatment.

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Home Care

Home care includes medical or non-medical services provided in a person’s home to support daily living, safety, and health needs.

 

Legal & Safety Terms

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Advance Directive

A legal document that outlines a person’s healthcare preferences if they become unable to make decisions.

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Health Care Proxy

A designated individual authorized to make medical decisions on someone’s behalf.

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Guardianship / Conservatorship

A court-appointed arrangement granting authority to manage personal or financial decisions for an individual deemed unable to do so independently.

 

Mandated Reporter

A professional legally required by state law to report suspected abuse or neglect to Adult Protective Services or law enforcement.

Mandated reporters may include:

Healthcare providers, social workers, clergy, financial professionals, caregivers, and facility staff (varies by state).

 

Capacity

An individual’s ability to understand information and make informed decisions.

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Abuse & Prevention Terms

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Elder Abuse

Any intentional or negligent act that causes harm or risk of harm to an older adult.

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Neglect

Failure to provide necessary care, resulting in harm or risk of harm.

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Self-Neglect

A condition where an individual is unable or unwilling to meet their own basic needs, including food, shelter, hygiene, or medical care.

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Financial Exploitation

Illegal or improper use of an older adult’s money, property, or assets.

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Undue Influence

Excessive persuasion that causes a person to act against their best interests, often involving trust or authority.

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Red Flags of Elder Abuse

Warning signs that may indicate abuse, neglect, or exploitation, such as sudden financial changes, unexplained injuries, isolation, or fearfulness.

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Medical & Emergency Terms

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EMS – Emergency Medical Services

Professionals who provide immediate medical care during emergencies.

 

DNR – Do Not Resuscitate

A medical order indicating that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should not be performed.

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POLST – Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment

Medical orders outlining a patient’s preferences for end-of-life care.

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Baseline

A person’s normal physical, cognitive, or behavioral functioning used for comparison when changes occur.

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Reporting Elder Abuse – Important Reminder

• Call 911 for immediate danger or medical emergencies

• Contact your local APS office for suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation

• APS reporting is available 24/7 in most states

• Reports can often be made anonymously