If you have a loved one in a nursing home facility, it’s imperative that you check in on them regularly for their health, as well as to show them the attention they deserve. You also want to ensure you’re looking out for signs that may indicate if they are enduring emotional abuse.

Knowing the signs can help you identify any problems, and take action to protect your loved one and others from experiencing this type of action. Here are the signs you should look out for and how to report it after the fact.

Changes In Behavior

If your elderly loved one is normally happy, cheery, and overall in a positive mood, but you’ve noticed that there is something changing, it could be a serious red flag. They may begin acting sad, out of touch, and even distant during conversations.

They may act differently when they’re alone with you versus when their abuser is nearby. If you recognize these signs and your loved one is not as happy as they once were, it could mean they’rsquo;re experiencing emotional abuse at the hands of someone in the facility.

Sudden Loss of Appetite

You may notice that your loved one is not eating as they should or that they appear malnourished. If this is the case, it may be due to emotional abuse they’re experiencing. Be sure to ask them why they’re not eating and speak with others to see how long your loved one has been like that.

Fear or Panic

Much of the emotional abuse the elderly endures comes in the form of threats. As such, the resident grows to fear the abuser and any situation where he or she feels at risk of further abuse. If you see your loved one react to movements or certain phrases, it could indicate potential emotional abuse.

At Williams Newman Williams, our Jackson nursing home abuse attorneys help you take action when you identify potential emotional abuse. We want to protect your rights, as well as the best interests of your elderly loved one, to pursue compensation and justice against the responsible party.

Call our firm today at (601) 949-5080 to discuss your potential case.