Providing nursing home care for the chronically mentally ill.

1. Nursing homes are assuming a major role in providing care for chronically mentally ill elderly. 2. There is a clear need for planning care for abusive nursing home residents. The nursing home environment should be assessed to evaluate the extent to which it can be modified to reduce abusive behavior. 3. The incidence of dependent and demanding behavior in the over 60 age group reflects a need for supportive services that could be specifically designed for the developmental and psychological issues unique to this group. 4. Continued research is needed to determine the extent to which emotional as well as physical needs are addressed in nursing homes.