What Families Need To Know About Psychological Abuse In Nursing Homes

Nursing home residents often suffer abuse and neglect in silence. One of the most common occurrences is psychological abuse. The signs of physical abuse are easy to detect with bruising or signs of tenderness with touch. It is not as easy for family members to see emotional abuse.

Residents don’t always speak up on their behalf, either. Many may not even realize that abusive behavior is a problem. Sometimes patients are afraid to report abuse or neglect to family or staff for fear of repercussions. There are signs you can watch for and things families need to know about psychological abuse in a nursing home.

What Is Psychological Abuse in a Nursing Home?

Psychological abuse in a nursing home happens when a caregiver causes a patient emotional distress. The abuse may be verbal or nonverbal. The abuser may be a staff member, another resident, a volunteer, or any other person with access to the patient. Some common forms of emotional abuse include:

Intimidation or threats
Humiliation
Placing blame on the resident
Neglecting patient needs
Terrorizing, harassing, or frightening the patient
Isolating the patient from family, friends, or other residents

If you suspect psychological abuse, you should report the matter to the nursing home administration and oversight authorities, and you may even seek the counsel of a nursing home abuse attorney.

Symptoms of Psychological Abuse

Bruises, cuts, and scrapes are easy to see. Emotional scars are not as easy to recognize. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), some of the things you should take note of are changes in your loved one’s behavior, including:

Lower self-esteem
Not making eye contact during conversations
Emitting feelings of hopelessness or despair
Not speaking openly near staff members or specific residents
Seeming depressed, withdrawn, or even anxious
Attempting self-harm
Sleeping or eating habits change
Seeming isolated or kept away from activities with other residents
Experiencing abnormal sudden mood changes or agitation
A rapid decline into a state of dementia or worsening of conditions

Awareness of subtle changes in your loved one’s behavior can help identify abuse and neglect before it creates permanent damage.

Reporting Psychological Abuse in a Nursing Home

You should always report abuse or neglect in a nursing home immediately. Some nursing homes have social workers or an ombudsman who can help you. You can also file reports with:

Adult Protective Services (APS)
Abuse hotlines if available in your area
Police

A law firm can help you file a report. Depending on the agency, they may conduct an investigation, take other appropriate action, or recommend the steps for family members to take to protect their loved ones. Unfortunately, many elder abuse cases are never reported.

Can Your Family Member Receive Compensation for Emotional Abuse?

Yes, your family member can sue for compensation in abuse and neglect cases. After you contact a nursing home abuse attorney, they will begin an independent investigation. Some of the information the attorney will seek includes:

Proof of your relationship status
Medical records and bills detailing injuries and treatment
Witness reports
Video, photographic, or audio evidence of the abuse

The law firm will determine the amount of compensation your family member might be entitled to. They will evaluate all liable parties and file claims against individual parties, the facility, or third-party agencies. Some areas where your family member may receive compensation include:

Reimbursement for medical care
Psychological counseling or therapy for the patient and family members
Cost reimbursements for the residence
Additional out-of-pocket expenses
Pain and suffering and mental anguish

When Abuse Results in Wrongful Death

If the abuse or neglect suffered by your family member resulted in their passing, you may be able to pursue additional compensation to assist with:

Final medical expenses
Funeral and burial costs
Loss of companionship
Emotional pain and suffering for the family

A nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer will help you sort through the details and will fight for the compensation your family deserves.

Emotional Abuse Occurs in Many Nursing Homes

Psychological abuse is widespread in nursing home settings. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that one in six older adults over age 60 experience some form of abuse, with higher numbers reported in residential facilities.

Contact Brown & Barron to Discover Your Options

You have options if your loved one has suffered psychological abuse in a nursing home. The nursing home abuse team at Brown & Barron can discuss the details with you during a free case evaluation. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that abuse stops and that the responsible parties are held accountable for their actions.