Many people assume that the term nursing home abuse in Los Angeles County refers to situations in which staff members intentionally inflict physical harm upon residents through unnecessary physical restraints, burning, kicking, hitting, slapping, and other forms of physical violence. However, it is essential to know that there are many different forms of nursing home abuse, and the signs or symptoms of certain types of neglect may cause significant damage to a senior’s mental health. What should you know about the various forms of nursing home abuse that can occur and how they can impact an older adult’s mental health?
Physical Abuse Can Affect Mental Health
Physical abuse does not just cause physical harm — it can affect a nursing home resident’s mental health and well-being, as well. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains, forms of physical abuse can result in depression and other mental health consequences.
Psychological and Emotional Abuse Damage Mental Health
Psychological and emotional abuse can be extremely damaging to the mental health of an older adult in a nursing home. These types of abuse are often designed to cause humiliation, fear, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness. When a senior in a nursing home is subject to psychological or emotional abuse, they can experience significant mental health problems, and those mental health issues can also have physical effects.
Indeed, according to WebMD, depression can play a role in a wide range of chronic illnesses that can include, for example, arthritis, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. WebMD also notes that “the mortality rate from cancer and heart disease is higher among people with depression or other mental health conditions.”
Passive Neglect Can Have Effects on a Senior’s Mental Health and Psychological Well-Being
Even passive neglect can have a significant impact on an older adult’s mental health and psychological well-being in a nursing home in Los Angeles County. When a senior requires help to complete activities of daily living (ADL) such as dressing, bathing, and walking, unintentional passive neglect can have serious psychological consequences for a senior living in a nursing facility. When older adults cannot experience some type of normalcy and are confined to a bed or chair without the ability to bathe or to get dressed, or move to another part of the facility, they can experience significant anxiety and depression.
As the CDC emphasizes, some people believe that older adults naturally experience anxiety and depression at higher rates, but depression is “not a normal part of aging.” It can result in the feeling of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, irritability, insomnia, fatigue, and persistent aches and pains. When a senior is showing any signs of anxiety or depression, it is important to seek help.
Contact a Los Angeles County Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today
If you have any concerns about an elderly loved one’s psychological well-being and the effects of abuse or neglect, it is important to seek advice from an experienced nursing home abuse attorney in Los Angeles County. Contact the Walton Law Firm to learn more about how we can help you.
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Nursing Home Sexual Abuse in San Diego County
How Can I Prove Nursing Home Negligence or Neglect in Riverside County?