Emotional or Psychological abuse is any action (verbal or non-verbal) that lessens a person’s sense of identity, dignity and self-worth.

Signs include:

  • Low self-esteem
  • Lack of eye contact with care providers
  • Nervousness around specific individuals
  • Reluctance to engage in conversations

Examples:

  • Using hurtful words, that make the senior feel unworthy, shunned or ignored
  • Disrespecting a person’s belongings or pets
  • Using verbal intimidation making threatening demands,” Give me money or you won’t see your grandchildren” or “ do what I say, or I’ll put you in a home”
  • Isolating the senior, preventing them from socializing with friends, excluding from social gatherings or limiting use of a phone or other communication devices