Emotional Abuse of Elders

Unfortunately‚ an elderly loved one can be harmed by words alone. Emotional or psychological abuse is the infliction of pain or distress‚ usually through insults‚ threats‚ intimidation‚ humiliation‚ or harassment.

Consider this scenario. Staffing in a particular nursing home is limited and Dorothy‚ an aide‚ feels rushed and hurried. She has scarcely enough time to make her rounds when she goes to check on Sally‚ an elderly bedridden patient. Sally has wet the bed. Dorothy yells at Sally‚ calling her disgusting and berating her for the extra work that she will cause the staff. Dorothy threatens to leave Sally there‚ lying in her own human waste. This is emotional abuse‚ even if Sally is later washed and her soiled clothing and bedding are changed.

We hope that this imaginary scene between Sally and Dorothy does not happen‚ but it could occur. To reassure yourself about your loved one’s nursing care‚ we suggest that you observe staffing patterns and the relationship between your loved one and the facility’s caregivers. How does your elderly relative react to the caregiver? Is the caregiver’s voice and manner harsh or soothing? Do they smile at each other or does your elderly relative become withdrawn and fearful in the caregivers’ presence?

These are considered classic symptoms of emotional abuse:

• emotional upset or agitation;
• fearful behavior‚ especially around certain individuals;
  withdrawal and apathy;
• unusual behavior such as sucking‚ biting‚ and rocking;
  an elder’s report of verbal abuse or mistreatment.

An elderly person may also exhibit some of these symptoms due to other forms of abuse. For example‚ we may expect an elder who has been physically abused to be upset and fearful around the abuser.  

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for individual advice regarding your own situation.

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