DEAR ABBY: My 85-year-old mother is in a dysfunctional relationship with my 50-year-old, alcoholic brother. He lives with her rent-free and abuses her emotionally and verbally. It has gotten physical at times, although she says he has never hit her.
He was recently arrested for domestic violence against his girlfriend, who is a drug addict. Mom has dialed 911 more than once, but the last time she told the officers it was a "mistake" because he's on probation, and she didn't want him to go to jail.
I'm at a loss about what to do because if I have social services look into it, I risk ruining my relationship with my mom, and she's not in the best of health. Should my siblings and I take a stand, step in and do something about it? -- WANTS TO HELP MOM
DEAR WANTS TO HELP: By all means! A report should be made to adult protective services in your state because elder abuse can involve emotional and financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, as well as physical abuse.