Waubonsee Community College

A house divided, elderly abuse, by Lyn Wright for the National Film Board of Canada

eng

videorecording

CollegeAdult

A house divided

electronic resource

867540643

by Lyn Wright for the National Film Board of Canada

36

Filmakers library online

elderly abuse

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

general

live action