Verbal abuse takes its toll on nursing home abuse residents because it makes them feel like they are not worthy of being treated like respected individuals.  The constant harassment, humiliation, embarrassment, and degradation make these nursing home residents feel like they are lesser people and do not deserve to be treated with respect, compassion, love, and concern.  When verbal abusers use this type of abuse, they take away a person’s ability to think of himself as someone who deserves to be treated properly.  This can lead to many emotional scars that don’t really fade with time.  Nursing home residents who have been verbally abused repeatedly can try to hurt themselves, make negative comments about their capabilities, give up on activities that once brought them pleasure, and even start withdrawing from being around other people that once brought them companionship and fun times.  All of these negative feelings and behaviors can reduce quality of life and make it difficult for nursing home residents to become active participants in their own care.  If your loved one has been abused by a nursing home employee, contact an Orange County nursing home abuse attorney before you take any action.  A lawyer will be able to help you come up with a plan of action that will yield the best results.