Emotional Abuse of Nursing Home Residents
Not every instance of nursing home abuse leaves a physical mark. Emotional abuse is one of the most prevalent and most difficult forms of nursing home abuse to track. It often goes unreported, and even when witnessed firsthand, people may tend to dismiss it. This means that it’s up to you and your lawyer to fight for the emotional well-being of your loved one.
If you discover proof that a loved one or family member in a nursing home is the victim of emotional abuse, call the nursing home abuse lawyers at Steinberg Law Firm right away. We can be reached at 843-720-2800.
WHAT IS EMOTIONAL ABUSE?
Emotional or psychological abuse is generally defined as acting in a way that causes emotional pain and suffering to a nursing home patient. When your loved ones suffer emotional abuse from the doctors or staff at a nursing home, they can feel afraid, sad or anxious.
Some examples of emotional or psychological abuse:
- Intimidating a patient
- Threatening a patient with violence
- Shouting at a patient
- Causing a patient to feel emotional anguish
- Insulting or ridiculing a patient
- Isolating a patient from family or fellow residents
- Ignoring a patient’s needs
- Threatening to withhold medication, food, or other necessities
When confronted with evidence of emotional abuse, a staff member might try to explain his or her actions by saying that such behavior is necessary to keep the patient calm, or even that the patient cannot be hurt because they don’t know what is going on. Do not accept these excuses. Emotional abuse is never necessary, and can cause real physical and emotional suffering.
SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL ABUSE
Nursing home abuse is surprisingly prevalent. Residents have limited contact with the outside world, and staff at a nursing home have a great deal of power over the residents. This gives them plenty of opportunity to take advantage of their power, and it’s up to you to spot the signs before it’s too late.
Your loved one may be exhibiting signs of emotional or psychological abuse if they are:
- Acting depressed or withdrawn
- Refusing to talk or interact
- Appearing easily agitated, with sudden move swings
- Looking excessively afraid of you, attendants, others
- Exhibiting unusual and compulsive behaviors
- Failing to eat or sleep regularly
- Refusing to take medications
- Losing weight
If you notice a few of these signs, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. You may also wish to remove your loved one or family member from the nursing home and report the abuse to the proper authorities.
Personal Injury Lawyers Representing Charleston & nearby areas of South Carolina
FIND AN EMOTIONAL ABUSE LAWYER TODAY
The nursing home abuse lawyers at Steinberg Law Firm know the signs of emotional abuse, and may be able to help you prove your case. The elderly are among the most vulnerable members of society, and if you want to protect your family member or loved one, you need the skill and experience of our legal team on your side.
To contact the Charleston nursing home abuse lawyers at Steinberg Law Firm, fill out a form on this web page, or call 843-720-2800.
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