Emotional Elder Abuse: Signs & What to Do

Elder abuse is a major public health problem. According to the World Health Organization, in any given year, 15.7% of individuals over the age of 60 are subject to some form of abuse. The problem is more severe in nursing homes and other long term care facilities as elders can be isolated, dependent on strangers for care, and may be suffering from physical and mental disabilities that render them more vulnerable. Research indicates that upwards of 64% of staff in such facilities report having committed some form of abuse against residents in their care in the past year!

This guide, provided by the MSW Law Group, explains what constitutes emotional elder abuse, the types of emotional elder abuse, how to recognize it, and what to do if you or a loved elder is being emotionally abused. 

What is Emotional Elder Abuse?

Emotional elder abuse is common in nursing homes and long term senior care facilities.  The elderly residing in such facilities usually have diminished physical and /or mental capacity and are partially or fully reliant on staff to meet their needs. Emotional abuse usually takes the form of coercive control used to embarrass, humiliate, or shame the vulnerable individual or to otherwise manipulate them. Sadly, emotional abuse is usually accompanied by physical, sexual, or financial abuse.

Emotional abuse can cause long term damage and is more often perpetrated upon women rather than men.

Types of Emotional Elder Abuse

Emotional abuse comes in verbal and non-verbal forms and is often difficult to detect as there may be few to no physical signs.

Verbal Emotional Abuse

Any verbal statement made to an elderly person meant to cause pain, fear or detriment counts as verbal abuse.

Examples of Verbal Abuse

Verbal emotional abuse may include any of the following:

• Bullying
• Yelling
• Screaming
• Name-calling
• Threats
• Trivializing concerns of or belittling an elderly individual

Non-verbal Emotional Abuse

Though silent, non-verbal emotional abuse can be just as powerful as its verbal counterparts. Often, the abused individual may not even recognize they are being non-verbally abused.

Examples of Non-Verbal Abuse

Non-verbal abuse take the following forms:

• Isolating an individual
• Neglecting or ignoring an individual’s needs
• Being mean, callous, or simply withdrawing affection

Warning Signs in Elders of Emotional Abuse

As already mentioned, recognizing the signs in elders suffering from emotional abuse can be very difficult. There are no physical scars, bruises, or broken bones to point to or to investigate. Also, some of the signs and effects of emotional abuse in the elderly can be mistaken as part of the normal aging process– being more quiet or withdrawn, or having anxiety and depression.

The following signs and effects of emotional abuse need careful consideration:

• Appearing scared of a caregiver
• Suddenly becoming shy, withdrawn, or depressed
• Avoiding eye contact
• Low self-esteem or loss of confidence
• Changes in sleeping, eating, or grooming patterns
• Avoiding family and friends
• New onset of physical “tics”- rocking back and forth

Reporting Emotional Elder Abuse

If you suspect that you or someone you love is the victim of emotional elder abuse, you need to act quickly.

Steps for After Reporting Abuse

The first step is to report the abuse to a local law enforcement agency by calling 911. Several elder abuse agencies are also available to assist you, including the National Center on Elder Abuse (855-500-3537) and state elder abuse hotlines (800-677-1116). After reporting your concerns to the appropriate authorities and securing the safety of your loved one, contact an elder abuse lawyer to safeguard your rights.

Can You File a Lawsuit for Emotional Elder Abuse?

Yes, you can file a lawsuit for emotional elder abuse. With the help of an experienced elder abuse lawyer, you can receive compensation for pain suffered and hold those responsible accountable. MSW is ready to help you and will start by providing you with free evaluation of your case.

Who Is at a Higher Risk of Emotional Abuse

According to the CDC there are individual, relationship, and societal risk factors that put any given elder at higher risk of emotional abuse. 

Individual Risk Factors

• Mental illness, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases and senile dementia
• Abuse of drugs or alcohol, past or present
• Physical health problem
• Past experience of disruptive behavior
• Past experience of traumatic events

Relationship Risk Factors

• High financial and emotional dependence of family members on the elderly individual or of the individual on family members
• Past family conflict/ isolation from family members
• Inability to establish or maintain positive prosocial relationships
• Lack of social support

Societal Risk Factors

Nursing homes and residential facilities  may create high risk environments by doing the following:

• Hiring unqualified and poorly trained staff
• Being understaffed
• Allowing for staff to experience high levels of stress

Why & How Abuse Occurs

Abuse of the elderly occurs when caregivers are unfit and /or unqualified to look after older people. Family members and nursing home employees may not be properly trained in elder care and are prone to becoming frustrated and stressed and may not have adequate coping skills. Sometimes, caregivers do not feel they receive adequate recognition or compensation for their work, and they take this out emotionally on the elderly person.

Prevention of Emotional Abuse in Nursing Homes

Educating seniors, family members, caregivers on emotional abuse of the elderly is critical to prevention. Loved ones of elders in nursing home can help prevent emotional abuse by:

• Being aware of the different types and signs of elder abuse.
• Check in on your loved ones regularly.
• Act quickly if you have  concerns about an elder’s care. Notify staff or other authorities immediately.
• Research potential nursing homes carefully, ask about staff training and the ratio of staff to residents.
• Visit your loved ones often.

Talk with an Elder Abuse Lawyer

If you know an elder who is being emotionally abused, report it immediately and talk with an elder abuse lawyer. The MSW Law Group has experience in the complicated,painful, and difficult circumstances of elder abuse cases, and we are ready to help you. Call today for a free consultation.