Resident abuse: an insider's perspective

The purpose of this study was to assess how resident abuse is perceived by members of the long-term care institution. Groups of registered nurses, nonprofessional staff, older residents, and significant others were interviewed individually and participated in focus groups. Resident abuse is perceived by the participants in this study as an experience that causes a perception of hurt in older residents. This perception is voiced by either older residents themselves or other members of the institution on their behalf. Participants' views about resident abuse are always framed within the context of institutional life.