Read more about these types of abuse: physical, financial, neglect, sexual.

Emotional abuse is one of the most common ways that elders can be mistreated. Family members should learn about the signs of emotional abuse and the forms that it can take to ensure their loved ones are protected against mistreatment.

Emotional elder abuse (also known as verbal or psychological abuse) involves intentional acts that lead to distress, fear, anxiety, or other forms of mental anguish. According to the World Health Organization, it is one of the most commonly reported forms of elder abuse. While this form of abuse may not cause physical pain, it can have major consequences for a senior’s mental wellbeing.

Emotional abuse can take on many different forms, including:

This abuse is often perpetrated in person. However, it can occur through email, phone, or other forms of communication, as well.

Anyone can be a perpetrator of emotional elder abuse. It can be a serious problem in professional caregiving settings, but it’s important to highlight that adult children, spouses, and other family members and friends can also be perpetrators of psychological abuse.

The perpetrator may use this form of abuse to try to assert dominance and get what they want from the elder. While it is not an excuse, caregiver stress or burnout (both in the case of familial and professional caregivers) can also cause someone to lash out and psychologically abuse a senior adult.

Psychological abuse can trigger a range of emotional and behavioral changes in a senior. Some of the major signs to look out for include:

It’s important to note that emotional abuse can often go hand-in-hand with other forms of abuse. With that in mind, it is essential that you learn about all types of elder abuse so that you can look for other signs of mistreatment.

Familiarizing yourself with the signs of emotional abuse is the first step you should take. That way, you’ll be able to step in if you suspect mistreatment.

It’s crucial that you stay connected with your family member and continue to have open communication. That way, they’ll feel more comfortable coming forward if they have experienced any form of abuse.

In the case that your loved one has been abused, it’s important to take action immediately. This includes separating the senior from the perpetrator and taking the victim to a psychologist or other medical professional. Florida’s elder abuse laws legally protect senior Floridians against psychological abuse, and any mistreatment should be reported as soon as possible to keep all seniors safe.