Sexualized components of verbally abusive statements by residents with dementia diagnoses

Abstract

Staff members were surveyed about their experiences with verbal abuse by residents in a geropsychiatric unit of a psychiatric hospital. They were asked to indicate the nature of the verbal abuse directed toward them and to indicate the worst thing a resident had ever said to them. Perceived sexual practices and preferences were a focus of insult described by many staff. The majority of “worst thing” said to them statements were sexual insults, with name calling using vulgar terminology and vulgar terms referring to male genitalia occurring with highest frequency. Examples of the kinds of abusive statements heard in the geropsychiatric facility are provided. Implications of sexual name calling in the geriatric long term care facility are discussed.