Elder Abuse?

Question

My aunt has been brainwashing her mom, my grandma. She's doing this so my grandma will change her will so my aunt will get all of the money when she dies. Our whole family knows this, except my grandma who refuses to believe us. Why she wont believe us is beyond me. She has 10 kids, and many more grandchildren. It's gotten to the point where my aunt has gotten my grandma to believe she's sick, and has had a stroke. She's lost interest in things she has once loved, and nobody knows what to do. I'm only 16, but I feel helpless. We've tried getting a restraining order, or something along those lines, but we need my grandma to agree with it so it can be accepted. I've almost lost all hope, and need some suggestions on what we can do to save my grandma!

I should mention she has been doing this for quite some time, but nobody has realized until now. She has gotten old people to disown their own children so her name could be written on their wills.

All of your answers have helped a lot. As for physical abuse, there hasn't been any. She has seen a doctor, and they continue to tell her she's fine. I suppose she isn't completely 'there' mentally, or she would realize that. I know my family has looked into getting a restraining order, but I'll have to tell them what you've said. I'm deffinetly going to do all I can, and thank you for your help. We are planning an intervention type thing with my grandma, to try and convince her; hopefully that'll help!

Answer 1

Hi Treehugger. This certainly is a very difficult situation and you are a very caring granddaughter.

You may wish to take your grandmother to see a family physician, psychiatrist or another medical professional. They may be able to assess your grandmother's mental competency (If she believes that she has had a stroke when in fact she doesn't, then that certainly calls into question her competency in making decisions for herself) and from there, possibly assign a member of her family as her guardian. From there, the aunt can be kept away from your grandmother.

It may be difficult to get your grandmother to see a medical professional. You can find out what is her family physician and try accompanying her to her annual check-up as a dutiful granddaughter, and raise this issue with the physician while you are there.

These family situations can become very tough, but hang in there, Treehugger. I don't know how helpful I've been, but I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 2

I'm going through a similiar situation you are, except my family is on the other side of the ocean. I'd be more than happy to help you.
Aside from brainwashing her has your aunt done any physical abuse to grandma? If there is physical abuse you can call county services and your aunt will no longer be allowed to see your grandma. Also, when is your grandma's next doctor's appointment. have a doctor tell her that she's fine.
What does your aunt do for a living? If your grandma isn't her first victim you should report her.

Answer 3

Tell your 'parent' who is 'related by blood' to your grandmother to call the police and accuse your aunt of 'elder abuse' ... and if you have ANY EVIDENCE of this (even your story here could be evidence) they'll HAVE TO INVESTIGATE. Tell your parent to do this RIGHT AWAY because your Grandma's life IS AT RISK, and that is far MORE IMPORTANT than any 'money legacy' she'll leave after she's died.