Many people enjoy an occasional glass of wine or beer without incident, but would you be able to recognize a drinking problem if your senior parent or family member one had one? It’s important to watch out for signs of alcohol dependency so you can address the issue with your loved one and get the necessary help. Dallas home care providers will highlight some red flags that family caregivers can watch out for.
Needs Alcohol to Stay Calm
Have you ever heard your loved one say he or she needs a drink to calm his or her nerves? Many people say that as a joke, but if you notice your loved one using alcohol to relax, this is a sign that he or she has a dependence on alcohol. If your loved one routinely uses alcohol to calm down after something stressful has happened or needs alcohol to avoid irritability, your loved one may have a problem.
Hides Drinking Habits
If you ask your senior loved one about drinking behavior, would he or she be honest? Lying about or hiding drinking behaviors is a telltale sign your senior loved one has an alcohol dependency. If your loved one feels the need to hide his or her drinking habits, there is a problem, even if your loved one isn’t ready to admit it.
Drinks Alcohol Quickly
Generally, people enjoy most alcoholic beverages by slowing drinking over an extended period of time. Knocking back large quantities of alcohol over a short period of time suggests your senior loved one has progressed to the stage of alcoholism that demands more alcohol to achieve the desired effect.
Consumes Multiple Drinks Daily
One alcoholic drink a day – especially red wine – is fairly safe for most adults to enjoy. That said, doctors caution that drinking more than this can pose a genuine health hazard. If you notice your loved one drinking an excess of a single beverage a day, it’s time to talk to your loved one about his or her problem.
Alcoholism poses a serious risk for seniors in particular because they tend to be more susceptible to illnesses like liver disease and diabetes. Additionally, alcoholism can interfere with any medications your loved one is taking for a preexisting condition, which could exacerbate the problem. To ensure your loved one receives timely medication reminders and adopts a healthy lifestyle, reach out to Home Care Assistance. Our highly trained caregivers will help your loved one maintain a balanced lifestyle using our proprietary Balanced Care Method, which revolves around healthy diet, regular exercise, and socialization. To learn more about BCM and how we can help your senior loved one, call us today at (214) 363-3400 and schedule a free consultation.