Emotional Elder Abuse Is…
The infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through verbal or nonverbal acts.
Examples include but are not limited to:
- Verbal assaults
- Intimidation
- Insults
- Humiliation
- Threats
- Harassment
- Isolation
Signs Of Emotional Elder Abuse Are…
- Increased fear or anxiety around caregiver/other
- Isolation from friends or family
- Unusual changes in behavior or sleep
- Withdrawal from normal activities
If You Suspect Emotional Elder Abuse, Ask…
- Does the older adult seem upset, agitated, or fearful in the presence of their caregiver or family member, or when speaking about a caregiver or family member? If so, how?
- Is the older adult withdrawn or non-responsive in the presence of their caregiver or
family member? - Does the older adult seem fearful of saying or doing something wrong?
- Does the caregiver restrict the older adult’s communications with friends and family?
- Does the caregiver restrict the investigator’s access to the older adult?
- Ask the older adult: Do you have family and friends? How often do you see them? How often would you like to see them?
If You Suspect Emotional Elder Abuse…
- Use the First Responder Checklist to document the older adult’s level of independence and functioning.
- Visit Interviewing Older Adults for tips and suggestions on interviewing older adults who have experienced abuse.
- Emotional abuse is often present with other types of abuse and neglect. Explore and document the possibility of neglect, financial elder abuse, sexual elder abuse, and physical elder abuse.