In cases of elder mistreatment, who often stands in a trust relationship with the older adult?

In cases of elder mistreatment, the caregiver often stands in a trust relationship with the older adult. This trust is established because caregivers are typically responsible for providing essential daily support and assistance, which can include anything from medical care to personal assistance with daily activities. As a result, older adults often place a significant amount of trust in their caregivers, believing that these individuals have their best interests at heart and will protect and promote their well-being.

Caregivers can include family members, professional aides, or volunteers who tend to the needs of older adults. This close relationship, while necessary for the functioning of the older adult's daily life, can also create vulnerabilities, particularly if the caregiver exploits their position of trust. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the role of caregivers in elder mistreatment scenarios, as they are usually the ones directly involved in the daily lives and care of the older individuals, making their actions critical to the well-being of the elder.

In contrast, while neighbors, friends, and government officials can have varying degrees of involvement in the lives of older adults, they typically do not share the same level of intimate and continuous relationship that caregivers do. This makes caregivers central to discussions around elder mistreatment and its prevention.