Emotional Abuse
– inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts, e.g. humiliating, intimidating, or threatening.
Signs of Abuse
- Reluctance to talk
- Extremely withdrawn
- Self-isolation expressed as a “need” to be alone
- Hesitation or fear
- Anxiety, emotional upset or agitation
- Changes in routine or behavior (rocking, fumbling with items, lack of concern about personal hygiene)
- Humiliating, insulting, frightening, threatening or ignoring family, friends, or visitors