Emotional Abuse of the Elderly
Emotional abuse entails any psychological distress or emotional pain inflicted by a caregiver. Although it’s a prevalent problem, it is often difficult to track and may go unreported. Despite lacking physical signs, emotional abuse is no less painful. Verbal abuse is more easily identifiable, whereas non-verbal abuse can be harder to spot.
Has your loved one suffered emotional abuse in a nursing home? Let’s talk.
Examples of Verbal Emotional Abuse:
A nursing home staff member verbally abusing an elderly resident.
- Yelling, shouting, screaming
- Intimidation through threatening behavior
- Name-calling, insulting, and ridiculing the patient
- Talking to the patient as if he or she were a child
- Embarrassing the patient in front of others
- Withdrawing affection or being callous and mean
Examples of Non-Verbal Emotional Abuse:
- Giving a patient the silent treatment
- Ignoring the patient
- Isolating them from social activities or friends
- Restricting access to food, water or bathroom
- Taking away personal items or hiding them
Questions? Contact us at (877) 284-6600 to speak with a member of our legal team.
Signs of Emotional Abuse or Mental Mistreatment
While emotional abuse often goes unreported, certain signs may indicate your elderly loved one is being mistreated:
Signs include becoming withdrawn, depressed, and hopeless
- Frequent distress or emotional upset
- Withdrawal, depression, or shyness when previously more outgoing
- Avoiding eye contact
- Sudden changes in sleeping or eating patterns
- Sudden mood swings
- Feelings of hopelessness, disturbance, or fear
Need Additional Information about Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect?
- Find blog articles related to Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
- Signs of Abuse & Neglect
- Emotional Elder Abuse (Nursing Home Abuse Center)
Contact us at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
Legal Help for Nursing Home Abuse Victims
Many families rely on the staff at nursing homes, assisted care facilities, and in-home care providers to offer proper care for their elderly family members. Emotional abuse can sometimes be unintentional; other times, it may be very intentional. If you believe your elderly loved one is suffering emotional abuse from caregivers, the first step is to relocate them to a safer environment and then seek legal guidance.
In the Kansas City area, the attorneys at Nash & Franciskato are experienced in recovering financial compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. We are your advocates and the voice for your elderly family member, fighting to stop his or her pain and suffering. We bring:
- Over 80 years of combined experience
- Trusted legal advisor committed to your needs
- Free, no-obligation review of your case
- Super Lawyers for over 10 years
- The AV Preeminence Rating for Ethical Standards & Legal Ability
- Compassionate advocacy for you and your family
Receive a Free Evaluation from Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
The attorneys at Nash & Franciskato have experience handling nursing home lawsuits. We will review the circumstances of your loved one’s treatment and provide guidance on your legal options. We want to help protect their rights. Contact us at (877) 284-6600 for a free no-obligation review of your case.
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Editor’s Note: This page content was originally written and published on April 18, 2016. It was reviewed for content and accuracy on January 30, 2025, and republished.