The best predictor of a caregiver being an abuser is the presence of substance abuse. Other factors that are implicated are stress, depression and a history of abuse and dependency. Indicators that are related to the social context of the caregiving situation include financial problems, family violence, lack of social support, family disharmony and living arrangements. Ageist attitudes and cultural factors that help define values also play a role in the abuse and neglect of older people. Reliance on the family, poverty, resistance to formal assistance and religion may lead ethnic or minority groups to view abuse as a family affair.
Caregivers often feel great emotional tension, stress, and financial strain.
This is particularly true in situations involving persons suffering from dementia. The adequacy of services and supports to families providing care is relevant in preventing situations of abuse and neglect of older adults. Despite this fact, program evaluations indicate that less assistance is typically given when a family member is present. Findings on gender and abuse reflect the nature of attitudes, behaviour and expectations in Canadian society. Verbal aggression is usually perpetrated by men, and, in cases of physical abuse, abuse by males toward females tends to be more violent.