Who abuses the elderly?
People often hear about elderly abuse in institutions, but only a small percent of elderly live in institutions. Most elderly persons live independently. This may be alone, with a spouse, or with relatives. Most families don’t abandon, abuse, neglect or take advantage of their elderly relatives. But studies do point to the family as the single greatest source of elder abuse. Daughters, sons, grandchildren or other relatives may be abusers. Physical abusers are usually male. Psychological abusers are usually 50 or older. These relatives may have been looking forward to a time of personal freedom. They instead find themselves supplying almost constant personal and medical care to an elderly relative. In many families where abuse happens, conflicts have existed for years. There may be a pattern of violence in the family. The parent may have treated the child badly earlier in life. These problems come to a head when family members move into the same home.
