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. Gender issues become even more important for widows who have little social support and who depend on health and social service agencies for assistance.
Limited finances appear to play a role in some abusive situations.
For example, living arrangements that result in overcrowding and lack of privacy may lead to abusive situations. The causes of abuse and neglect by informal caregivers are complex and varied. Several theoretical perspectives attempt to explain this behaviour. The situational model is most widely used by researchers and intervenors. This model suggests that abuse is an irrational response to environmental conditions and situational life crises and places the emphasis on present social conditions rather than past problems.