Emotional and Mental Abuse
Emotional, mental or psychological abuse is a form of abuse found in nursing homes. It is much more difficult to detect than physical abuse, but is just as harmful to the resident. In a nursing home setting, mental abuse can be committed by nursing home staff, including Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs), Nurses, LPNs, RNs, Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists or any other staff. These nursing home employees are in a position of power over the nursing home residents, who are often unable to stand up for themselves or report the abuse to others. Many nursing home residents are afraid if they report the abuse or mistreatment, they will be punished, either physically or by not receiving care or meals.
Typical examples of mental abuse in a nursing home setting:
- Direct or implied threats
- Making fun of the resident
- Ignoring the resident
- Exclusion from activities
- Isolation
How can you recognize the signs of potential mental abuse? These signs can be sudden or over time, subtle or obvious. Sometimes this type of abuse causes extreme personality changes, including becoming depressed or violent. Residents may become unwilling to talk about their care or care givers to their family for fear they will get in trouble. Some outward signs of potential mental abuse:
- Weight loss
- Dehydration
- Teeth grinding
- Pulling hair
- Refusal to communicate
- Rocking back and forth
- Biting self or others
- Self-harm
- Sucking hands and fingers
Family members should visit the nursing home frequently and observe any patterns of behavior or physical signs of mental abuse. Many times, nursing home residents are unable or unwilling to report the abuse themselves. If you even suspect that your loved one is being abused, you should report it. If you suspect your loved one has been the victim of mental abuse at a nursing home or other facility, call Wagner Hughes, LLC for a free consultation at (404) 900-6979.