It is often heartbreaking to see the deplorable treatment that our elderly loved ones endure in nursing homes or long term care facilites. That is why New Jersey nursing home abuse lawyers at Messa & Associates fight for the vulnerable adults who have been neglected, taken advantage of, and physically and emotionally abused.
According to the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, psychological abuse is the “willful infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation, or other verbal or nonverbal conduct.” Abusers can be anyone from family members or those that are closest to the elder, to caregivers, nurse aids, or other nursing home staff. The most at risk individuals are those that do not have an emotional support group and are isolated from others. Psychological abuse is often the hardest type of elder abuse to spot, because the scars are emotional.
Signs of Psychological Abuse
There are many signs that psychological abuse is occurring, but it is important to remember that these actions and behaviors can be explained in other ways and you should be looking for several indicators that there is a problem. Some physical signs are weight gain or loss, increased stress and elevated blood pressure. Some behavioral signs might include problems sleeping, depression, confusion, or acting withdrawn, especially around the abuser. Other signs might include unexplained agitation, unresponsiveness, or unusual behavior such as biting and rocking.
Philadelphia and New Jersey Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
If you or your loved one have suffered the often devastating effects of nursing home abuse or negligence, its time to contact nursing home abuse lawyers. The team at Messa & Associates is dedicated to earning justice and compensation for those injured by negligence and abuse in nursing homes and long term care facilities. Call, toll-free, 1-800-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry. If you would like immediate assistance, click the CHAT LIVE icon to the right. A representative is present right now to answer your questions.