Senior Care Asheville: Recognizing the Signs of Emotional Abuse

By Jim Smeaton
In Senior Care in Asheville - emotional abuse is, unfortunately, something that impacts seniors who live both at home and in senior communities, including assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The elder care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC, serving Asheville, Hendersonville, and surrounding western North Carolina communities, know that the majority of senior care providers are honest and sensitive to the wellbeing of elderly individuals; however, it is important for you to understand the signs of emotional abuse just in case it impacts your elderly loved one.

While the symptoms of physical abuse are much more apparent, the signs of emotional abuse are detectable—it just takes a bit more effort to see the changes that take place in your senior when they are emotionally abused than when they bear the marks of physical mistreatment.

Tension between Your Senior and Their Caregiver
Frequent arguments and strong negative feelings toward a caregiver can indicate that something is wrong with the relationship between your senior and this individual.[1] While this may not always point to abuse, it is nearly always present in abusive situations.

Alterations to Your Senior's Personality or Behavior
Changes in behavior are often a sign that your loved one is stressed—and this is something that frequently occurs when they are being abused. They may become overly sensitive, secretive, or defensive. This can also be a sign of a health condition, such as Alzheimer's disease, so it is important not to overlook changes in your loved one's behavior.

Inappropriate Actions of a Caregiver Toward Your Senior
This particular warning sign is a bit difficult to pinpoint, as it is important that you witness it yourself before calling attention to the suspected abuse. Caregivers who showcase this sign may threaten or belittle your senior. Additionally, they may try to control your elderly loved one beyond what is appropriate.

Signs of Discomfort Displayed by Your Elderly Loved One
The stress of emotional abuse can manifest itself in physical behaviors. For instance, your senior might start to show the physical signs of dementia (rocking themselves back and forth, mumbling under their breath, or sucking) even if they do not have this condition.

The senior care professionals at Always Best Care of Western NC  know that, despite the fact that the vast majority of elder care providers are honest and treat seniors with respect, there are some who abuse the individuals they are supposed to care for. As such, these professionals encourage you to understand and address any signs of emotional abuse that your elderly loved one may exhibit.

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Finding the right care is not an easy decision to make, so we have put together an E-booklet filled with tips, advice, and general information so that you are well informed.

If you are interested in learning more about Alzheimer's, dementia and elder care, contact Jim Smeaton  and the professionals at Always Best Care of Western North Carolina at (828) 989-7263 or visit their website.