Which of the following best describes emotional abuse in the elderly?

Emotional abuse in the elderly is characterized by actions that can cause psychological harm or distress. The correct answer highlights behaviors such as intimidation, humiliation, and isolation, which are direct forms of emotional abuse. These actions can significantly impact an individual's mental health, leading to feelings of worthlessness, fear, and loneliness. Emotional abuse can manifest through verbal assaults, manipulation, or creating a hostile environment that undermines the elderly person's self-esteem and overall well-being. Understanding this is crucial, as emotional abuse can be as damaging as physical harm and often goes unnoticed, making it imperative for caregivers and providers to recognize and address these behaviors effectively.

The other options describe different forms of abuse or neglect. Disregard for their needs relates more to neglect, while the neglect of physical care focuses on a failure to provide essential physical support. Financial exploitation pertains to the misappropriation of an elderly person's financial resources, which, while a significant concern, does not encompass the psychological aspects of emotional abuse. Each of these forms of abuse has critical implications but does not directly capture the essence of emotional abuse as intimidation, humiliation, and isolation do.