Elder Abuse: What Is Emotional Abuse?
Emotional abuse is a pattern of behavior characterized by insults, humiliation, and gaslighting in order to control or instill fear into an individual. The victim may internalize the abuse as evidence of their own inadequacy. They may also experience distortions of their own reality, especially if the abuse takes the form of gaslighting.
Emotional elder abuse is by nature more difficult to detect than physical harm. Identifying the signs of abuse is the first step towards protecting your loved one from emotional and psychological harm.
Common Signs of Emotional Elder Abuse
Signs that someone may be the victim of emotional abuse include:
- Depression or anxiety
- Withdrawn behavior
- Low self-esteem
- Fearfulness
- Mood swings
These characteristics tend to become increasingly severe in the absence of any intervention.
Perpetrators of abuse will usually try to conceal their abusive behavior when there are witnesses around. If you suspect your loved one is being victimized by a caregiver or nursing home employee, pay close attention to the individual and how they interact with your loved one.
Signs that a caregiver may be inflicting emotional abuse include:
- Gaslighting
- Manipulation
- Constant criticism
- Intimidation and threats
- Jealousy and accusations
- Isolating the individual from friends and family
- Belittling, demeaning, or shaming
- Ignoring
- Monitoring or controlling behavior
- Making care conditional on an individual’s behavior or choices
Risk Factors for Emotional Elder Abuse
A number of factors can contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to emotional abuse.
Isolation. People with little or no family or social support network make easier targets for elder abuse.
Setting. Individuals in care facilities like nursing homes and assisted living facilities – especially those with poorly trained and overworked staff – are more at risk of abuse.
Ill-health. Individuals with other health problems may be particularly vulnerable to abuse.
Cognitive impairment. Dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment can prevent a victim from being able to recognize or report abuse, causing them to become more dependent on their abuser.
The Psychological Toll
Emotional abuse takes a severe toll on mental health and quality of life. Victims often come to believe that the harmful dynamics are a result of their own failings. This can give way to ruminating and bargaining, where the victim attempts to adapt their own behavior and go to any length to avoid confrontation.
How to Report Emotional Abuse
There are a few agencies and organizations responsible for handling reports of elder abuse in California. Adult Protective Services (APS) generally investigates reports of abuse in apartments, homes, hotels, or inpatient hospitals. For elder abuse in nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care facilities, complaints should be directed to the Long Term Care Ombudsman. Their representatives are trained to investigate and resolve complaints quickly and free of charge. All complaints to the Ombudsman are confidential. For more information on reporting elder abuse of any kind, click here.
Legal frameworks are in place to prosecute abusers and provide compensation for victims. For more information on pursuing legal action against perpetrators of elder abuse, talk to an experienced elder abuse attorney.
How to Prevent Emotional Abuse
Prevention and timely intervention relies on loved ones remaining vigilant. Steps toward preventing emotion abuse can include:
- A policy of open communication between the elderly individual, their caregivers, and family
- The establishment of trust and support, so that elders feel safe and comfortable when it comes to sharing any concerns
- Encouraging elders to engage with social activities, stay connected with their family, and maintain support networks to reduce the risk of isolation
- Monitoring their well-being through visits and remote communication like phone calls and text messages
See here for more information on building trust with facility staff members. To schedule a free consultation with a San Francisco elder abuse attorney, fill out a contact form or call us on (916) 448-6400.
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