Signs Your Aging Loved One Is Addicted to Gambling

For some seniors, gambling is just a fun pastime, but for others, it can become a dangerous addiction. The growing popularity of gambling games on smartphones and computers makes it even easier for seniors to become addicted to gambling. A gambling addiction can be difficult to spot. Keep an eye out for these signs of gambling addiction in your senior loved one.

Lack of Interest in Other Hobbies & Responsibilities 

If your parent has a gambling addiction, you may notice he or she no longer finds joy and excitement in hobbies he or she once enjoyed. Seniors who are focused on gambling may no longer engage in things they used to like. Even when he or she isn’t spending time gambling, the addiction could cause your loved one’s old favorite activities to no longer seem exciting or interesting. Your loved one may even lose interest in tasks and responsibilities. You might also notice your loved one is no longer keeping up with hygiene, or his or her home may fall into disarray. 

If your loved one needs help maintaining a healthy home and high quality of life, consider hiring an in-home professional caregiver. When considering senior care, Dallas, Texas, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits.

Unpaid Bills & Requests for Loans 

If you’re not in charge of your loved one’s finances, it may be difficult to notice how he or she spends money. However, if you’re observant, you can see signs of how gambling is affecting your parent’s finances. You may notice your loved one getting calls or bills for overdue utilities or credit card payments, or he or she may ask you for a loan to pay for groceries and other necessities. Your loved one may offer excuses like losing a check, forgetting his or her wallet, or making an accounting error, but constant issues with money could be a sign of a gambling addiction.

Family caregivers often have little time to help their loved ones manage their finances. In Dallas, respite care is a great help to many families. Caring for a senior loved one can be overwhelming at times, which puts family caregivers at risk for burnout. However, an in-home caregiver can take over your loved one’s care, allowing you the time you need to focus on your own health, maintain a full-time job, or care for other members of your family.

Prioritizing Gambling Over Other Activities 

You don’t necessarily need to worry every time your parent decides to visit a casino or racetrack. It’s normal for seniors to visit these sorts of places every now and then for social outings. However, you should be concerned if your loved one is willing to skip other engagements and events to gamble. Those with an addiction may be willing to miss important family gatherings, parties, appointments, and club meetings to gamble. Even when there are negative consequences to choosing gambling over other activities, seniors with an addiction will persist in gambling.

Irresponsible Spending Habits 

When a person with a gambling addiction wins a big bet, he or she may decide to splurge on a celebration, buy expensive clothing, go out for fancy dinners, or purchase new electronics with the gambling winnings. This behavior is also common among those without an addiction, but the frequency of these sorts of spending sprees can clue you in to how often your loved one is gambling. You may also notice your loved one making poor spending choices because he or she assumes the money can be won back by gambling more. 

By receiving professional in-home care, older adults can make healthier lifestyle choices. In Dallas, in-home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Managers today at [hca_phone].