Mental and verbal abuse can be just a damaging to an elderly individual's health as physical abuse or neglect. Unfortunately, mental and verbal abuse occur in nursing homes where elderly individuals have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Because nursing home staff is often overworked, underpaid, and inadequately trained, elderly nursing home residents do not receive the appropriate attention and care they need and deserve. Mental and verbal abuse can take several forms, and the effects of this type of abuse can manifest in a number of different ways. Family members should take care to note any changes in the physical, mental, and emotional health of their elderly loved one. Concerns in regard to any declines or changes should be discussed with nursing home staff immediately.

The follow actions are considered mental and verbal abuse: verbal threats, verbal degradation, emotional manipulation, emotional threats, and isolation. Elderly individuals residing in a nursing home may live in constant fear due to verbal threats made by nursing home staff. These individuals may be reluctant to report verbal threats for fear of retaliation. Verbal degradation occurs when staff yells or screams at an elderly individual or makes insulting or sarcastic remarks about the elderly individual. Because of nursing home resident's dependence on staff, these individuals can be easily manipulated. Elderly residents may experience decreased self-esteem, which can then be exploited by nursing home staff. Emotional abuse occurs when elderly individuals are afraid to speak out against abuse they have experienced or witnesses. Fear of further abuse keeps them from reporting abusive behavior by staff. Staff may sometimes isolate an individual from social activities, friends, or family.

Whatever the form, mental or verbal abuse of nursing home patients cannot be justified. Family members should encourage their loved one to report any type of abuse that may be occurring within the facility. When mental or verbal abuse is suspected, families should report their suspicions to the proper authorities immediately. In addition, families may wish to retain the services of an attorney to represent their elderly loved one. An attorney will make the elderly individual's best interests his or her top priority. Both mental and verbal abuse can have a devastating impact on the lives of those elderly individuals affected by this type of abuse. Those responsible for this type of abuse need to be stopped before they can cause harm to more victims.