Physical disabilities associated with substance abuse increase risk by rendering the older person dependant on others for assistance or care, and giving caregivers physical access to the older person and their home. Caregivers are also likely to have access to an older person's financial resources and to wield significant influence. Seniors may be encouraged to take drugs or drink excessively, or even forced to do so. A perpetrator's motive may be to make the older person easier to exploit financially or, in the case of illegal drug use, less likely to report. Abusive caregivers may encourage older people to drink excessively or use drugs to make them more compliant or easier to care for.
Some victims use drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism to relieve their anxiety and fear.
Seniors who have longstanding alcohol or substance abuse problems are likely to have poor relationships with their families or to be estranged entirely. If the older person needs care, their family members may be unwilling to help or may harbor resentments that impede their ability to provide good care. Older persons who self-neglect are likely to have substance abuse or alcohol problems. An interview with Charmaine Spencer and Jeff Smith. Click here to view .