Last year my elderly neighbour's nephew moved in with her while he was attending university. Since then, she has become very withdrawn and I hardly see her anymore. I worry that her nephew is not treating her appropriately. What sorts of actions constitute emotional abuse?

Emotional or psychological abuse can include

• making threats to do something to the older adult or to something or someone the person cares about;
• humiliation;
• forced socialization or isolation;
• treating the older person like a child;
• not allowing the older person to make decisions for him- or herself.

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January 2006

see also:

• More Abuse of Older Adults FAQs

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