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A House Divided: Elderly Abuse
| Length: | 35 min |
| Released: | 1990 |
| Ages: |
College Adult |
Through four portraits, A House Divided sheds light on the hidden tragedy of elder abuse. The abuse itself takes many forms, ranging from willful neglect to financial exploitation to physical attack. The families depicted come from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds.
We see one loving niece who is pushed to the threshold of her patience by her aunt's increasingly difficult behavior and failing health. The younger woman finally recognizes her need for outside help to prevent an explosive situation.
In another family a frail elderly couple is being financially exploited by their daughter and son-in-law. A painful court battle resolved the conflict. Still another situation involves an elderly Chinese immigrant in San Francisco who was deprived of his social security checks by his wife and adopted son until a community support network came to his assistance.
A case of physical abuse by an alcoholic son is complicated by the mother's enduring love for her child. She is finally forced to turn to the judicial system for help.
With great sensitivity, A House Divided portrays the emotional complexity of family relationships that can lead to abuse of the elderly. It shows the isolation and helplessness of the victims and the need for understanding and support by those who work with the elderly.
We see one loving niece who is pushed to the threshold of her patience by her aunt's increasingly difficult behavior and failing health. The younger woman finally recognizes her need for outside help to prevent an explosive situation.
In another family a frail elderly couple is being financially exploited by their daughter and son-in-law. A painful court battle resolved the conflict. Still another situation involves an elderly Chinese immigrant in San Francisco who was deprived of his social security checks by his wife and adopted son until a community support network came to his assistance.
A case of physical abuse by an alcoholic son is complicated by the mother's enduring love for her child. She is finally forced to turn to the judicial system for help.
With great sensitivity, A House Divided portrays the emotional complexity of family relationships that can lead to abuse of the elderly. It shows the isolation and helplessness of the victims and the need for understanding and support by those who work with the elderly.
"This well put together program makes the point that the time to care about what is happening to the elderly is now, before it is too late. It is sure to cause discussion. " - Barbara Flynn, Sightlines
"... points out that old age is not always 'On Golden Pond'." - The Edmonton Journal
"Professionals and students of geriatric issues will find this film to be a useful tool for stimulating serious discussions on elderly abuse. Recommended." - Landers Film & Video Reviews
"Does an effective job of depicting the stress generated when an aging relative lives with a family member." - Choice
"... points out that old age is not always 'On Golden Pond'." - The Edmonton Journal
"Professionals and students of geriatric issues will find this film to be a useful tool for stimulating serious discussions on elderly abuse. Recommended." - Landers Film & Video Reviews
"Does an effective job of depicting the stress generated when an aging relative lives with a family member." - Choice
Red Ribbon, American Film & Video Festival, 1990
National Council on Aging, 1990
National Council on Family Relations, 1990
Gerontological Society of America, 1989
Western Psychological Association, 1989
National Council on Aging, 1990
National Council on Family Relations, 1990
Gerontological Society of America, 1989
Western Psychological Association, 1989
