Bullying is often thought of as something that only happens in childhood, but it can also affect older adults. In senior living communities, shared spaces, changing health needs, and major life transitions can sometimes create social tension that impacts a person’s comfort, confidence, and daily experience.
In this webinar, we sit down with Mary DiDia and Rita Grandlis of Unicity Care Management to learn how to recognize senior bullying, why it is often overlooked, and what families and professionals can do to help create a safer, more inclusive environment.
What Is Senior Bullying?
Senior bullying can take many forms, from repeated exclusion and hurtful comments to more obvious patterns of intimidation or control. It is not always easy to recognize, especially when behaviors develop gradually over time. That complexity is what makes this topic so important. Recognizing the difference between a pattern of bullying and a change in behavior can help families and teams respond in the right way.
Why This Issue Is Often Missed
Not every difficult interaction is bullying. In some cases, behavior may be connected to grief, cognitive changes, pain, frustration, or the stress of adjusting to a new living environment. That is part of what makes this conversation so important. The webinar explores the difference between a true pattern of bullying and behaviors that may point to another underlying concern.
Where Bullying Often Happens in Senior Living
Shared routines and shared spaces can sometimes become the setting for conflict. Dining rooms, activity spaces, transportation, and other common areas may create opportunities for exclusion, tension, or repeated negative behavior. Even small moments—like seating arrangements or group interactions—can shape how someone experiences life in a community.
Why Families Should Pay Attention
When an older adult is being bullied, the effects can go beyond a few uncomfortable moments. Families may notice a loved one withdrawing from activities, avoiding meals, or seeming less interested in social connection without knowing the full reason why. These changes are easy to overlook but can be an important signal that something deeper is going on.
Watch the Full Webinar Replay
This recap only touches on a few of the key themes from the conversation. In the full recorded webinar, the speakers share real-life examples, practical guidance, and important insights for families, caregivers, and senior living professionals.
Watch the replay to learn how to recognize the signs of senior bullying, better understand its impact, and explore ways to support a more respectful community experience.
Fill out the form on this page to watch the recorded webinar now!
