People who subtly take advantage of their aging parents usually display these 8 behaviors

If someone consistently visits their elderly parents only when they need something, it’s a clear giveaway.

If they’re always complaining about their own financial hardships in the presence of their more well-off parents, you can almost bet they’re playing a game.

But, it’s not always that obvious. Understanding manipulative behavior requires a keen eye and a deep understanding of human nature.

There are some folks who have mastered the art of subtly exploiting others, especially their aging parents. Here are some behaviors common to these individuals.

1) Emotional manipulation

Emotions are tricky.

They’re powerful, persuasive, and can often blur the line between what’s right and what’s wrong. This is especially true when someone you trust is intentionally pulling at your heartstrings.

People who subtly exploit their aging parents are often masters at emotional manipulation. They know exactly which buttons to push and when to push them, tugging at their parents’ sympathies and effectively turning the tables in their favor.

They might paint themselves as a victim, constantly underlining their struggles to make their parents feel guilt or a strong urge to help them out. Or they might shower their parents with misplaced affection only when they need something.

It’s a sad reality, but it’s something that happens more often than we’d like to admit. Being aware of this tactic can help us protect our loved ones from those who might take advantage of them.

2) Sudden interest in financial matters

Money matters are usually personal.

I remember when my aunt suddenly began taking an intense interest in my grandparents’ finances. She would ask about their investments, their savings, and even their monthly bills.

At first, we thought she was just being helpful. My grandparents were getting old and handling finances can be confusing for them. But then, we noticed a pattern. Every time she visited, she’d somehow steer the conversation towards money. And soon after, she’d lament about her own financial struggles.

We realized too late that she wasn’t just being a caring daughter. She was subtly manipulating my grandparents to support her financially, exploiting their love for her and their lack of understanding about their own financial situation.

It was heartbreaking to witness. No one should use their parents’ vulnerability to their own advantage.

But unfortunately, it’s one of the common behaviors displayed by people who take advantage of their aging parents.

3) Frequent borrowing

There’s a fine line between needing a little financial help and subtly taking advantage.

People who exploit their aging parents often cross this line without hesitation. They borrow money frequently, but here’s the catch – they rarely pay it back.

Interestingly, according to a survey by True Link Financial, seniors lose almost $13 billion per year to financial exploitation, and most of this exploitation is carried out by family members.

Frequent borrowing is not an innocent act when repayment becomes an exception rather than the norm. It’s an indicator of someone subtly using their parents’ resources for their own gain while neglecting their responsibility to repay what they owe.

4) Neglecting their parents’ needs

Parents have always been there for their children, providing for their needs and wants. As they age, the roles should naturally reverse.

However, those who subtly exploit their aging parents have a different approach. They prioritize their own needs over their parents’. They might live in their parents’ home rent-free, yet contribute little to nothing towards expenses or chores.

Their parents’ well-being, comfort, and quality of life become secondary concerns.

It’s a blatant disregard for basic respect and care that should exist in the parent-child relationship, especially when the parents are in their twilight years and most in need of support.

5) Lack of appreciation

Gratitude is a virtue that’s often overlooked.

I’ve always believed that one of the most significant ways to show love and respect towards our parents is through appreciation. After all, they’ve dedicated a large part of their lives making ours better.

However, people who subtly exploit their parents rarely show genuine appreciation. I’ve noticed this in a few instances around me. The thank you’s feel hollow, the gestures of gratitude seem forced and insincere, almost as if they’re part of an act.

While it’s true that actions speak louder than words, in this case, the lack of sincere words speaks volumes about the person’s intentions and attitudes towards their aging parents.

6) Over-involvement in their parents’ lives

Being involved in your parents’ lives as they age is usually a positive thing, right? Well, not always.

Some individuals who subtly exploit their aging parents can become excessively involved in their day-to-day activities. It might seem like they’re just being caring and attentive, but often, there’s a hidden motive.

They may be trying to control their parents’ decisions, especially those related to finances or assets. Their overbearing presence can become a means of subtly exerting power and influence, steering their parents towards decisions that primarily benefit them.

So yes, sometimes too much involvement can be as harmful as neglect. It’s all about the intention behind the action.

7) Creating dependency

Independence is something to be cherished, especially as we age.

However, people who subtly exploit their aging parents often work towards creating a sense of dependency. They might convince their parents that they’re incapable of managing certain aspects of their lives, such as finances or health care.

By doing so, they create a situation where their parents feel reliant on them, making it easier for them to control and manipulate situations to their advantage.

It’s a form of subtle exploitation that can have a profound impact on the parents’ confidence and quality of life.

8) Lack of empathy and respect

At the heart of all these behaviors lies a fundamental lack of empathy and respect towards the aging parents.

Exploiting anyone, let alone one’s own parents, reveals a deeply troubling disregard for their feelings, needs, and dignity.

It’s essential to recognize these behaviors for what they are – manipulation and exploitation – and take necessary actions to protect our loved ones.

Final reflections

We should remember that every individual, regardless of their age or state of health, deserves dignity and autonomy.

To manipulate or exploit someone’s vulnerability for personal gain is not just morally wrong, it also erodes trust and love that should define familial relationships.

As we navigate our lives and relationships, let’s keep an open mind and a watchful eye. Let’s strive to be protectors, not perpetrators.

Because at the end of the day, it is kindness and respect that truly define us as individuals.