Nursing homes provide the elderly with a place to live where they receive around-the-clock care, nutritious meals and assistance with grooming. You may be resistant to moving your loved one into such a facility, but you can be comforted knowing that they are with their peers in a safe environment.
The majority of staff members speak to and treat their residents with respect. They care for the elderly as if the residents were their family members. Unfortunately, some nursing home employees emotionally abuse their residents. And while emotional abuse doesn’t leave cuts and bruises, the damage it causes can be much worse.
What is emotional abuse?
Emotional abuse is intended to cause psychological harm to an individual, such as threats, humiliation, taunting, gaslighting and isolation. The victim is left feeling trapped and powerless. Emotional abuse can be subtle, which makes it harder to identify, so it’s important to recognize the signs, which include:
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Withdrawing from loved ones
- Incessant apologizing
- Anxiety, especially around certain staff members
- Diminished appetite
Nursing home residents have legal rights at both state and federal levels. The law states that nursing homes are to treat residents with respect and dignity and that they have the right to live free from physical, sexual, verbal or mental abuse.
If you believe your loved one is the victim of emotional abuse, you need to file a formal complaint with the nursing home administrator. In addition, you have the right to file a complaint, without the fear of retaliation, with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) or the New York State Department of Health.
Consider seeking legal guidance. You may be able to receive compensation for your loved one while also holding the nursing home accountable.