Psychological Abuse of the Elderly
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
Psychological or emotional abuse occurs when a carer causes you emotional pain or stress. A carer may be a family member or a person that is responsible for taking caring of you. The carer may insult, threaten, humiliate, or harass you through words or actions. He or she may also ignore you or isolate you from family members, friends, or your daily activities. Your rights may be ignored, limited, or taken from you even if you can think and act for yourself. Psychological abuse can happen in your own home, the carer's home, or a facility, such as a nursing home.
WHILE YOU ARE HERE:
Informed consent
is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
An IV
is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.
You may need extra oxygen
if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your healthcare provider before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.
Healthcare providers will check your vital signs.
Vital signs include blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. The providers will also ask about your pain.
Nutrition:
A special diet may be considered depending on your condition. A dietitian may talk to you about your eating habits and help you create a healthy meal plan.
- If you have trouble chewing, you may need thickened liquids to drink or soft foods to eat. Some examples are applesauce, bananas, and cooked cereal.
- You may need to be fed by an IV or a nasogastric (NG) tube if you cannot eat. An IV is a tube placed in your vein for giving medicine or liquids. An NG tube is put in through the nose and goes down into your stomach.
Medicines:
- Anxiety medicine may help you feel calm and relaxed.
- A sedative is medicine to help you stay calm and relaxed.
- Other medicine: Medicines may be given if you have other conditions that must be treated.
Tests:
- Blood tests give healthcare providers information about how your body is working.
- A neurologic exam can show healthcare providers how well your brain works after an injury or illness. A provider will check how your pupils react to light. The provider may check your memory and how easily you wake up. Your hand grasp and balance may also be tested.
Treatment:
- Counseling: Psychological abuse may cause you to feel scared, depressed, or anxious. Your healthcare provider may suggest that you see a counselor to talk about how you are feeling.
RISKS:
If left untreated, you may develop serious health and emotional problems. You may also become depressed.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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