As people age and become frail, they are less likely to stand up to abuse or fight back if they are experiencing most forms of abuse while in nursing care. Unfortunately, while physical abuse is easily detectable, emotional abuse is never easy to notice.
Emotional abuse is quite common in nursing homes. It can happen for months or even years before being detected. This is because emotional abuse does not leave any visible marks or scars. However, over time, emotional abuse can result in anxiety, depression, low self-esteem and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Here are some of the signs you should look out for if you suspect your loved one is going through emotional abuse in a nursing home.
Sudden withdrawal
When your usually chipper and outgoing senior suddenly becomes avoidant and withdrawn, there is a mental or medical reason why that is so. If they are emotionally unsettled around a certain a caregiver, this could be indicative of abuse.
Loss of interest in certain activities
If your loved one has suddenly lost interest in what they always enjoy doing, you should try to find out why. While depression could the reason for their behavior, this could also be a telltale sign that they are being abused emotionally.
Erratic emotions
If your beloved suddenly develops unexplained emotions whose cause you cannot explain, chances are they are being abused by their caregiver. Continued emotional abuse can trigger a host of erratic emotions such as agitation or unexplained expression of fear, anxiety or crying.
Emotional abuse at the nursing home can be quite harmful. If you suspect your loved one is a victim of emotional abuse in a nursing home, it is important that you take appropriate steps to ensure the safety of your loved one and get the justice they deserve.
