ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with informing the reader of the dynamics of family relationships as well as the factors and individuals within families that give rise to abuse. It is argued by Pillemer that the view that abuse only arises out of situations in which the older person has a need of care contributes to the maintenance of the stressed caregiver hypothesis. It is therefore necessary to understand the nature of family relationships and the ways in which families relate as a system. Because of the persistence of the stressed caregiver hypothesis, it appears that, in an attempt to refute it, the argument over dependency has been polarised, with the focus being switched to the abuser. The older person rarely alleges elder abuse, so that gaining access to assess for the presence of abuse or neglect requires careful consideration and planning.
