Late Stage Alcoholism

Question

My dad is an alcoholic. He is only 68 but he has osteoporosis from drinking and he broke his hip and when he fell down the front steps one some ice. He is not too sharp from all the years of drinking but he doesn’t need nursing care. Is his alcoholism going to be a problem if he moves into a senior’s living home? One of those places that provides meals and services but no nursing care? He is not a violent drunk or anything like that but he will fall asleep in the lounge and pee on the sofa, for example. I don’t know what to do with him.

Jennifer Hamilton · Accepted Answer

I empathize with your situation. I recommend you be very up front with the facility you want your Dad to move into. It is not uncommon for people who live in a Assisted Living Facility to have alcoholism. That does not mean they are capable of handing some of the issues that may arise appropriately. You are in a very difficult situation.

Continuing use of alcohol will continue to deteriorate the cognitive (thought) functions of the brain. Is you Father willing to go to a long-term rehab facility? I know it may seem like it is too late for him to stop drinking, but it is never too late. Worst case scenario, he at least stops the progression of the disease and may return to some level of "normal" functioning.

If he is complacent about going somewhere, why not attempt to send him to treatment first? Check out the options in your area. If he was in the hospital after his fall with the hip, maybe you could ask the social work department at the hospital to help you. If he is simply not willing, then consider other options.

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