What Are Examples of Emotional Abuse in Nursing Homes?

Not All Abuse Leaves Bruises—But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Any Less Harmful

When people think of nursing home abuse, physical injuries often come to mind first—bedsores, falls, or unexplained fractures. But not all harm is visible. In many cases, residents suffer in silence under the weight of emotional abuse—a form of mistreatment that can be just as damaging, if not worse.

Emotional abuse can be harder to detect than physical harm, but it leaves lasting scars: anxiety, fear, depression, withdrawal, or a rapid decline in mental health. Families may sense that something is wrong without being able to prove it, especially when their loved one struggles to speak up or communicate what they’re experiencing.

At The Higgins Firm, we help families across Tennessee investigate and pursue legal claims involving emotional and psychological abuse in long-term care facilities. If you suspect mistreatment, this guide explains what emotional abuse looks like, how it affects vulnerable adults, and what legal options are available.

What is Emotional Abuse in a Nursing Home?

Emotional abuse—sometimes called psychological abuse—is any verbal or nonverbal behavior that causes distress, fear, humiliation, isolation, or mental anguish to a resident. It may be intentional or careless, but the impact is the same: emotional pain and loss of dignity.

Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse doesn’t leave bruises or broken bones. But it can lead to:

• Loss of self-worth
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Depression or suicidal thoughts
• Behavioral regression
• Worsening of dementia symptoms

Unfortunately, emotional abuse is one of the most underreported forms of elder abuse in long-term care settings. That makes it critical for families and caregivers to know the signs—and take action when something feels wrong.

What Are Examples of Emotional Abuse in Nursing Homes?

Below are some of the most common patterns and behaviors that may constitute emotional abuse in a nursing home or assisted living facility:

1. Verbal Threats and Intimidation

Staff may use fear to control residents, often threatening to withhold care, call the police, or put them in isolation if they “don’t behave.”

Examples include:

• “If you keep asking for help, I won’t come next time.”
• “Complain again and I’ll make sure you’re moved to a worse room.”
• “You’re lucky we even take care of you.”

This type of intimidation is especially cruel because it plays on residents’ total dependency on staff.

2. Yelling, Swearing, or Name-Calling

Raising one’s voice, using foul language, or calling residents degrading names can create a hostile environment. Over time, it conditions the resident to feel afraid, inferior, or unworthy of care.

Examples include:

• Constant yelling or shouting at residents
• Using insults like “worthless,” “stupid,” or “useless”
• Sarcastic or demeaning remarks about a resident’s health, memory, or mobility

Even if no physical harm is involved, this behavior can be emotionally traumatic—especially for residents with dementia, PTSD, or anxiety disorders.

3. Humiliation or Public Shaming

Making fun of a resident in front of others, mocking their appearance, or ridiculing them for needing assistance can all constitute emotional abuse.

Examples include:

• Laughing at residents who struggle to eat or use the bathroom
• Publicly discussing private medical issues
• Forcing residents to wear soiled clothing
• Deliberately embarrassing them in front of other residents or visitors

This kind of mistreatment is intended to degrade and control.

4. Social Isolation

Withholding social interaction—either as punishment or due to staff neglect—is a form of emotional abuse that can have devastating mental health consequences.

Examples include:

• Preventing a resident from attending group activities
• Refusing to allow visits from family or clergy
• Leaving residents in their rooms for days without meaningful interaction
• Denying access to phones, mail, or internet

Isolation not only causes loneliness—it also makes it easier for other forms of abuse to go unnoticed.

5. Ignoring or Dismissing Residents

When staff consistently ignore call buttons, act indifferent to concerns, or talk about residents instead of to them, it signals emotional neglect.

Examples include:

• Walking past a resident calling for help without responding
• Failing to acknowledge residents during care routines
• Talking to coworkers while treating residents as if they’re invisible

This can cause residents to shut down emotionally and feel like they don’t matter.

6. Gaslighting or Manipulation

Some staff members use manipulation to confuse or control residents—especially those with cognitive decline.

Examples include:

• Telling residents they already received care they didn’t
• Denying previous promises or agreements
• Making residents feel like they’re “imagining things”

This type of behavior erodes trust and leaves residents questioning their own reality.

Signs Your Loved One May Be Suffering Emotional Abuse

If your loved one can’t clearly tell you what’s happening, pay attention to behavioral changes. Signs may include:

• Withdrawal from family or activities
• Fear of specific staff members
• Sudden changes in mood or personality
• Crying spells, agitation, or depression
• Self-isolation or refusal to eat or speak
• Statements like “please don’t leave” or “they’ll be mad at me”

You may also notice that staff act defensive, dismissive, or overly controlling around your loved one—another red flag.

What Can You Do if You Suspect Emotional Abuse?

If something feels wrong, don’t wait. Start by:

• Documenting any changes or comments from your loved one
• Taking notes during visits, including dates, staff interactions, and conditions observed
• Requesting care records and facility notes
• Reporting concerns to the nursing home administrator
• Contacting Adult Protective Services (APS) or the Tennessee Department of Health
• Speaking with a nursing home abuse attorney

Emotional abuse cases can be hard to prove without clear evidence. But with a proper investigation, documentation, and expert review, they can—and should—be pursued in court.

How The Higgins Firm Can Help

At The Higgins Firm, we take nursing home abuse seriously. If you believe your loved one has been emotionally abused, our legal team can:

• Investigate the facility and staff involved
• Review care logs, complaints, and staffing records
• Consult geriatric and mental health experts
• Identify regulatory violations or neglect
• File a civil claim to recover compensation and stop the abuse

We work to hold nursing homes accountable for both physical and emotional harm—and to protect other residents from future mistreatment.

Concerned About Emotional Abuse in a Tennessee Nursing Home? Call Us.

Emotional abuse doesn’t always leave physical evidence. But the damage it causes is very real—and legally actionable. If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated, you don’t have to wait for it to escalate.

Call The Higgins Firm for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your concerns, explain your options, and take action to protect your family member’s dignity, safety, and rights.

Because everyone deserves to grow old in peace—and no one deserves to be abused.