Counseling & Psychotherapy Discussion Board

Hello, I am a new member with a problem. Over the holidays I visited my 95 year old Aunt in Vienna. I found that her 62 year old daughter is verbally abusing her. She constantly yells at her calling her stupid, idiot, and other unfounded accusations. I found this situation deplorible!! My aunt lives at a government senior home in Liesing and says no one can help her there. She does rely on her daughter for things and is not willing to tell her not to come visit. Does anyone out there know of any govermental agency, support group, or anything that can help her??? Any suggestions at all to help her would be appreciated.

Hello Marzzy!

First of all I want to tell you that it's really courageously that you want to help your aunt. Not many people would do that and rather look away.

I am not an austrian citizen so unfortunately I can't name you any governmental or other institutions. However I can hardly imagine that there are none. Probably there'll be some kind of a helping and counseling institution for family problems and things like that. Moreover most churches offer consultation. Even if they can't help you/her with your aunt's actual problem they may be at least able to tell you/her whom else she can contact.

Best wishes,

Short Circuit

Hello Marzzy,

and welcome to the board!

What I immediately asked myself when I read you post was - what about the governmental home's personel?? Is it possible they never realized what's going on between your aunt and her visiting daughter? Maybe there would at least be a way to involve them - first, to find out more about the situation and maybe also to ask them what ways to support (and if necessary, protect) your aunt appropriately.

hope this helps,
Richard L. Fellner

My grandma (98 old at that time) had the same situation with my aunt. She counted herself lucky to be profoundly deaf. On this way she needed not hear my loud aunt.

I'm sorry I don't know much about Vienna's agencies, but you are right. That is absolutely elder abuse! Best of luck finding options!