Elder abuse is a deeply concerning issue, and it can be a devastating and traumatic experience for older individuals. With emotional elder abuse, there are no visible marks, yet the harm inflicted on the mental welfare of elderly individuals is no less significant.
Elder abuse can lead to an individual feeling isolated, fearful, and alone. Such a type of abuse may take many forms, from verbal or emotional mistreatment to neglect and abandonment.
The personal injury attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC legally advocate for elder emotional abuse victims harmed by caregivers, family members, friends, or hospital and nursing home staff.
Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers at (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation.
All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Understanding Emotional Abuse Involving the ElderlyEmotional elder abuse is a growing concern worldwide, and raising awareness and educating others on the warning signs and preventive measures is crucial.
One form of elder abuse is emotional elder abuse, defined as the intentional infliction of mental anguish, pain, or distress on an elderly person through verbal or non-verbal acts.
Emotional elder abuse may take many forms and is categorized by verbal and non-verbal abuse, such as:
As the population of elderly adults in the United States continues to grow, the issue of elder abuse has become increasingly prevalent.
Such a type of abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial, and includes the following statistics:
It can be challenging to identify when a loved one is being emotionally abused, as the signs are not always visible; however, there are a few common indicators, including the following:
Once emotional abuse has been identified, there are immediate measures that can be taken to prevent further abuse and protect loved ones, such as:
Implementing these preventive measures can reduce the incidence of emotional elder abuse and promote the emotional health of older individuals.
Effects of Elder Emotional and Psychological AbuseNursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to elder emotional abuse, which can be perpetrated by caregivers, nursing home staff, other residents, and even family members.
There are 1.6 million elderly in nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the US. According to a World Health Organization survey, two out of three nursing home staff have admitted to abuse or neglect in a year.
Emotional abuse differs from elder psychological abuse, although the terms are interchangeable. Emotional abuse is when the abuser tries to control a victim by abusing their feelings, causing mental trauma, such as insulting or ridiculing them.
Psychological elder abuse is when the abuser controls or manipulates their thinking, making them believe they are mad, stupid, or useless.
Both psychological and emotional abuse may result in an older person or residents of nursing homes experiencing the following:
Often emotional abuse or elder psychological abuse is the precursor of other types of elder abuse, such as physical, sexual, or financial abuse.
Physical AbuseIt is the intentional use of force against an older person, resulting in bodily harm, pain, injury, or impairment, and can include:
A type of elder abuse that involves any sexual acts or contact of a sexual nature with an older adult without their consent, in any form, such as:
Common indicators are sexually transmitted diseases, infections, bruising, or other genital injuries with no medical explanation and withdrawn, anxious, or depressed behavior
Financial ExploitationFinancial elder abuse is the unauthorized use of an older person's money, credit cards, and property. Financial elder abuse can include:
Common indicators of financial abuse can include sudden changes in an elder's economic situation, such as unpaid bills, missing funds, or changes to legal documents.
It is of utmost importance that the consequences of elder abuse and the resulting mental health problems be addressed. It will promote the well-being of elder emotional abuse victims, enabling them to heal from the trauma.
How to Prevent Elder MistreatmentEmotional elder abuse can be prevented by recognizing the signs of elder abuse and neglect, maintaining open communication, seeking help from Adult Protective Services, and reducing the stress on nursing home staff and caregivers.
Signs of Emotional Elder AbuseNursing home staff members, caregivers, friends, and family members should be aware of the signs of verbal or non-verbal emotional abuse, including unexplained mood swings, loss of eye contact, changes in behavior, social isolation, and emotional pain and suffering.
Understanding these signs can help older individuals receive the support they need and prevent further emotional or psychological abuse.
Communication and SupportOpen communication between nursing home staff members, caregivers, and family members is essential for preventing further emotional or psychological abuse and sustaining healing from all emotional distress.
Providing emotional support and listening to the concerns of older individuals can lead to victims feeling heard, understood, and empowered.
Seeking Help From APSIf elder abuse is suspected, nursing home staff members, caregivers, and family members should not hesitate to seek help from APS. These agencies are designed to investigate and intervene in elder abuse cases and can provide vital support and resources to older individuals in need.
Reducing Nursing Home Caregiver StressCaregiver stress is a leading cause of emotional elder abuse, and reducing stress and maintaining mental well-being is essential. A caregiver can lash out more quickly when overly stressed due to workload or extended hours.
It is of the utmost importance to prioritize self-care and seek support from others. Nursing home staff members and caregivers can ensure they are better equipped to provide the care and support older adults need.
Nursing home staff members must understand the loss of emotional well-being experienced by victims of emotional abuse and their resulting mental health. In doing so, each caregiver can ensure they are better equipped to offer improved, empathetic care.
Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer to Resolve an Elder Emotional Abuse Compensation ClaimWhen an elderly loved one or family member is emotionally abused, it can also have a traumatic influence on other family members. It's essential to take immediate action to address the situation and hold those responsible for emotional elder abuse financially accountable for their actions.
Do you believe your loved one has been a victim of emotional elder abuse or mistreatment, such as physical or sexual abuse? A caregiver or a family member can file an elder abuse report and compensation claim.
Seek the advice of a personal injury lawyer specializing in elder abuse cases. Contact Nursing Home Law Center, LLC at (800) 926-7565, or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win the case. By seeking legal representation, you can ensure that your loved one's emotional trauma is addressed correctly and they receive the compensation they deserve.
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