Identifying Emotional Abuse in Nursing Homes: Signs to Watch For
Emotional abuse is an often overlooked aspect of nursing home abuse. Many people associate nursing home abuse with broken bones, bruises, and other physical injuries. However, as St. Petersburg nursing home abuse attorneys can explain to you, emotional injuries can be just as devastating.
If you suspect that someone you know is suffering from emotional abuse, contact St. Petersburg nursing home abuse lawyers you trust.
What Is Emotional Abuse?
Emotional abuse against the elderly can take several forms. Some of the most common types of abuse that St. Petersburg nursing home abuse attorneys deal with include:
- Verbal Abuse. This can generally consist of acts such as yelling, calling the resident names and otherwise demeaning him, intimidation, taunts, threats, and other degrading and abusive language.
- Non-Verbal Abuse. Non-verbal abuse can be more difficult to spot than verbal abuse, and you may want to work with St. Petersburg nursing home abuse attorneys to learn more. Some subtle forms of non-verbal abuse can include ignoring a resident, singling that person out, or even making intimidating eye contact.
Not all forms of verbal or non-verbal abuse may be easily categorized, and you will want to talk to St. Petersburg nursing home abuse lawyers to discuss any of your concerns.
Signs of Emotional Abuse
Unlike physical abuse, the signs of emotional abuse may be less obvious and more difficult to detect without the help of St. Petersburg nursing home abuse attorneys.
Residents may be reluctant or afraid to discuss the abuse. St. Petersburg nursing home abuse attorneys will know how to talk to the resident and what symptoms of abuse to look for. Some symptoms a St. Petersburg nursing home abuse attorneys may look for include:
- Excessive stress
- Withdrawn behavior and detachment
- Erratic behavior
- Overly emotional and unexplained crying
- Anger and irritation
Contact St. Petersburg Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
If you believe you know someone who is being emotionally abused at a nursing home, you should contact experienced St. Petersburg nursing home abuse attorneys. A nursing home resident may not have the ability to defend himself or get help. Contact Peter Giroux at (727) 895-5399 to discuss how you can protect your loved one.