Emotional and Psychological Abuse in Pennsylvania Nursing Homes

According to the National Institute of Health, Emotional/Psychological Abuse is the most common form of abuse in Nursing Homes across the United States.

This abuse comes in many forms – Resident to Resident, Staff to Resident, Visitors to Resident and even Nursing Home Vendors to Resident.

We trust Nursing Homes to watch over our loved ones when we can’t be by their side, but often this trust is violated. When that happens, call us at Lenahan & Dempsey at 1.888.536.2426.

Understanding Emotional and Psychological Abuse In PA Nursing Homes

Emotional and psychological abuse involves actions that inflict fear, mental pain, anguish, or distress on nursing home residents. This abuse can be subtle and most often goes unrecognized. Examples include but are not limited to:

1. Verbal Abuse – Insulting, threatening, or belittling of residents.
2. Isolation – Deliberately preventing residents from interacting with others, including family and friends. This is a huge red flag you need to watch for.
3. Manipulation – Verbal coercing of or controlling a resident's decisions or actions.
4. Neglect of Emotional Needs – This is a failure to provide emotional support or companionship, leading to feelings of hopeless ness and abandonment.

Signs of Emotional and Psychological Abuse

Identifying emotional abuse can be challenging, as its effects may not always be visible. However, some common signs to watch for are:

1. Withdrawal or Depression – This is the most common sign of abuse. Watch for sudden changes in behavior, including increased sadness or social withdrawal.
2. Anxiety or Fear – Your loved one may show signs of anxiety, particularly around certain staff members.
3. Confusion or Cognitive Decline – While this is a normal sign of aging, a noticeable rapid decrease in mental sharpness or decision-making ability, which may arise from constant belittlement or manipulation.
4. Changes in Appetite or Sleep Patterns – Emotional distress can lead to changes in eating and sleeping habits.

Lenahan & Dempsey Can Protect The Rights of Nursing Home Residents

If you suspect a loved one is experiencing emotional or psychological abuse in a Pennsylvania nursing home, here are the first steps to take:

1. Consider Alternative Care – If possible, look for alternative placements that provide a safer and more supportive environment for your loved one.
2. Document Evidence – Keep detailed records of any concerning behaviors or changes in your loved one’s condition, including dates, times, and descriptions of incidents. Photographs can play a vital role in proving Emotional Abuse by showing the residents demeanor.
3. Call us at Lenahan & Dempsey. We will help you identify the proper legal authorities to notify, and we can start building your case against the Nursing Home.

We can be reached all hours of the day or night at 1.888.536.2426.

Why Call Lenahan & Dempsey

Our law firm has won Hundreds and Hundreds of Millions for our clients for all types of serious injuries. This has led to Judges and our peers voting us for inclusion in The Best Law Firms in America, and we are listed as a Tier 1 Law Firm (the highest rating).

Eight of our lawyers are listed in Best Lawyers in America and eight are listed as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Three, including Firm President John Lenahan, Jr., Managing Partner Timothy Lenahan and Attorney Matthew Dempsey are listed in The Top 100 Lawyers in Pennsylvania (out of over 48,000 Pennsylvania lawyers).

Timothy Lenahan is also Best Lawyers in America’s Top Insurance Lawyer for his representation of the injured fighting against large insurers for the region of Northeastern/Central Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. He has previously been named Best Lawyers Top Personal Injury Lawyer for that region for his work fighting for the rights of injured people. Almost all injury cases are in fact highly complicated Insurance Cases.

What Can You Expect When Working With Lenahan & Dempsey

We have recovered Hundreds and Hundreds of Millions for our clients across almost all fields of Personal Injury, Insurance Bad Faith and Workers’ Compensation law.

We fully understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a case can take on victims and their families. Our highly dedicated team of lawyers and paralegals can point to a history of success supporting our clients and winning the money they need to rebuild their lives.