Tag: elderly

Understanding the Pattern

Family members who have exploited others financially in the past may:
See themselves as entitled to family wealth.

Target vulnerable individuals, particularly those who are elderly, ill, or dependent.

Rely on tactics that have worked before, such as emotional manipulation, coercion, or misusing legal authority like power of attorney.

Exploit family dynamics, such as fear of conflict or a culture of secrecy, to avoid accountability.… Read More Understanding the Pattern

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Dynamics of Elder Financial Abuse During Illness

When an elderly family member becomes ill, they may become more vulnerable to financial abuse due to declining physical or cognitive health, reliance on others for care, or increased trust in close family members. This can create opportunities for exploitation, especially in families where inheritance or financial disputes already exist. Below is a detailed examination of the issue:… Read More Dynamics of Elder Financial Abuse During Illness

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What is Elder Financial Abuse in the Family Context?

Entitlement: A family member believes they “deserve” more of the inheritance or wealth.

Greed: Some relatives see an opportunity for financial gain and prioritize it over the elder’s well-being.

Caretaker burnout: Relatives providing care may feel justified in taking money or assets as “compensation.”

Addiction or debt issues: Family members with financial difficulties may exploit their elder relatives.

Mental health problems: The abuser might rationalize their actions due to unresolved emotional conflicts or jealousy.… Read More What is Elder Financial Abuse in the Family Context?

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“not my responsibility”

Focusing on Wealth, Not Well-Being: When a family’s priority is wealth, members may feel their role is simply to “wait it out” rather than actively care for the relative in need. This leads to a stark detachment where elderly members are seen as sources of eventual inheritance rather than as family members deserving of time, empathy, or care.

Eroding Trust and Relationship Quality: When elderly relatives sense this detachment, trust within the family erodes. The elderly family member may feel that love is conditional or that they’re valuable only when they’re a source of wealth, not as a person with needs, feelings, and a lifetime of memories to share.… Read More “not my responsibility”

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“Money-First”

Transactional Relationships: In these families, interactions often feel more like transactions than genuine exchanges of support. Every favor, gift, or act of care might come with an unspoken expectation of reciprocation or reward. This transactional view reinforces the idea that family connections are tools for personal gain rather than bonds of mutual support.

Self-Interest as a Core Value: With time, a “me-first” mentality can become ingrained in the family’s values, where personal success and financial gain overshadow collective well-being. This often means that emotional needs are sidelined, and vulnerability, such as an elderly relative needing support, is dismissed or seen as an inconvenience.… Read More “Money-First”

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Toxic family loyalties

Viewing Elderly Relatives as Financial Assets or Liabilities: Instead of valuing the elderly relative as a person, family members might view them in terms of their financial “worth.” They may see elderly care as a drain on potential inheritance, prioritizing assets over providing genuine care.

Neglect Rooted in Convenience: Family members who value money above relationships may find caring for an elderly relative to be inconvenient, time-consuming, or costly. Rather than stepping up to help, they might avoid involvement altogether, justifying it to themselves as “not my responsibility.”… Read More Toxic family loyalties

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