Elder abuse affects roughly 10% of American seniors over the age of 60, and this is just a figure from the reported cases. Many cases of elder abuse go unreported each year because the victim feels embarrassed, ashamed or they do not understand they are being abused. While most people may think of financial abuse or neglect when they think of elder abuse, emotional abuse is much harder to detect.
We understand how the elder laws in Florida work and have helped many of our clients with their elder abuse claims. Keep reading for more information on types of emotional abuse elders may experience.
What does emotional abuse towards seniors look like?
According to the National Institute on Aging, emotional abuse is only one of many different types of elder abuse that can occur. Emotional abuse can include any of the following situations.
- Yelling or screaming
- Saying derogatory or hurtful things
- Ignoring an elderly person and their needs
- Speaking to an elderly person as if they were a child
- Demeaning or embarrassing a senior in front of others
- Not allowing the senior to see friends or family, also known as social isolating
- Intimidating or terrorizing the senior
What can I do if I suspect elder abuse?
If you suspect that a loved one is suffering because of elder abuse, you must speak to someone about it. When you are alone with him or her, let them know that you think something is wrong and offer to help. Friends and family can report elder abuse as well as doctors and lawyers. Visit the National Center on Elder Abuse to learn more about how to report elder abuse. More information about this topic is available on our webpage.