Psychological and Emotional Negligence in Nursing Home Patients

Nursing home negligence is a serious problem facing America today. Our best estimates suggest that between one and two million U.S. citizens ages 65 or older have been mistreated or neglected by their caregivers. And to make matters worse, only an estimated 1 out of every 14 instances of elder abuse are formally reported to the authorities. There are many different types of elder abuse, including physical, financial, and sexual abuse. One of the least understood—and least discussed—types of abuse is emotional abuse. That’s why our New Mexico team has compiled the following information on psychological and emotional negligence in nursing home patients.

Read on to learn the definition of psychological abuse, as well as tips on spotting New Mexico nursing home negligence and choosing the right New Mexico personal injury lawyers.

Psychological abuse, also known as emotional abuse, is a form of abuse that occurs when one person subjects or exposes another person to behavior that may result in psychological trauma or harm. This type of abuse takes many different forms.

Emotional abuse does not refer to one single behavior; rather, there are many different ways that emotional abuse can occur. It is also important to note that emotional abuse can be difficult to spot, especially since abusers will often place the blame for their behavior on their victims. Some psychologically abusive behaviors include:

• Attempts at controlling or manipulating another person
• Shaming/ purposely humiliating someone
• Spying / violating another person’s privacy
• Yelling (which is used to frighten the victim and is often used as a controlling tactic)
• Treating another person as though they were a child
• Name-calling
• Insulting someone’s appearance

Sometimes, a lack of action or a nonverbal act can constitute emotional abuse, another type of New Mexico nursing home negligence. This is emotional negligence. Some examples include:

• Withholding affection (a tactic often used by abusers to punish their victims or make them feel undeserving of love)
• Giving the “silent treatment”
• Isolating a person from friends or family
• Preventing someone from participating in social activities
• Passive-aggressive behavior

Although many cases of nursing home abuse are perpetrated by caregivers or staff, it’s also possible for other residents to commit emotional abuse. But regardless of who is perpetrating the abuse, if your loved one is being emotionally abused, they are likely to exhibit certain patterns of behavior. Signs of emotional abuse or neglect frequently include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Becoming emotionally withdrawn
• Depression
• Agitation
• Sudden personality or behavioral changes
• Nervousness
• Refusal to speak/ interact with others
• Loss of appetite
• Insomnia

If your loved one has been abused in New Mexico—emotionally or otherwise—you should contact a qualified nursing home negligence lawyer in New Mexico as soon as possible to discuss your next steps and come up with a plan of action.

If you’re ready to consult with a qualified New Mexico lawyer, Carabin Shaw is here to help. Our attorneys have a combined 200 years of legal experience and have been handling nursing home negligence cases for more than two decades.

Finally, our New Mexico personal injury lawyers offer all new clients a no cost, no obligation consultation with an attorney. So call us today at 915-779-2301 to find out what an experienced New Mexico nursing home negligence lawyer at Carabin Shaw can do for you. Don’t wait—speak with a knowledgeable lawyer today.