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Off topic. Elder Abuse.

AllisonKate1311AllisonKate1311
in Health & Exercise

I wasn't sure where I could post this but I need some input. 

My grandmother inlaw is 86 years old. Right now she watches 2 of her grand kids 4-5 days a week. The times range from 8-3 or 11-5 depending on the mom's schedule. On Mondays she watches all 3 boys. One of them is there from 8-6(the 5 yo). The ages of these boys are 1, 3, and 5. They are not easy children by any means. I love them but they have no respect for their great grandmother, they're mean, and they get in to anything and everything. 

She has diabetes so her feet sometimes swell up and it's hard for her to get around but she does it.

My problem here is the fact that she is 86 years old watching 3 toddlers! I've witnessed it and it's sad. She is worn out and constantly chasing the kids all around. And to make matters worse, when the mom of the 2 little ones gets off work she stays at her grandmother's house and sits on her phone while my grandmother still has to deal with the kids. 

My grandmother does not want to watch the kids anymore. She can't do it and she can't enjoy them as her grand children. She is afraid to tell her granddaughters though because they need free child care apparently.

I was talking to a friend about this and they said elder abuse is going on. What do you think? How do I handle this? I want something to be done. She will be 87 in April and I just can't stand the idea of her babysitting these children anymore. It's not safe at all. So many things could go wrong.

Any advice or information would be so helpful! Btw, I live in NY. They live in VA so there isn't much I can do about it physically.  

 

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Re: Off topic. Elder Abuse.

  • staceyh36staceyh36 member
    I work for a Children's Advocacy Center in Texas and working with families who have been victims of abuse is our primary mission.  The other concern that needs addressing is the three children.  You are correct in that this could meet the standards of elder abuse and it could also meet the standards of child abuse should something happen to the children while in her care.  Not only could your gg mother be held responsible but so could their mothers for placing them in the care of someone who is struggling.  Personally, I would contact the elder and child abuse hotline for the state in which they live.  You can air your concerns anonymously and this will allow for a professional to determine if this is the best situation for your extended family.  Should the case worker determine this is not a safe environment for either your gg mother or the gg children they will assist the mothers is locating appropriate/affordable childcare. 
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