Alcoholism in the elderly is becoming a concerning issue throughout the world as it is causing health disorders among elderly people. Alcoholism along with the aging-related problems results in a faster decline in skills essential for living independently. Alcohol addiction adds more problems in their family members in living a normal life. Changes in their behavioral pattern for alcoholism turn out to be the causes of pain for people around them.
Signs of alcoholism in elderly
Not everyone addicted to alcohol shows the same symptom. There are different reasons and for intaking alcohol for elderly people. All of them also don’t take the same level of alcohol. So, you will find a wide range of symptoms both mental and physical that reveal an addiction to addiction in the elderly.
➔ Bloodshot eyes
➔ Isolation from near and dear ones
➔ Short-term memory loss
➔ Severe change in behavior
➔ Poor diet
➔ Depression and anxiety
➔ Unexplained bruises
➔ Getting overwhelmed
➔ Withdrawal from social activities
➔ Making excuses for drinking alcohol
Alcohol and the elderly effects: Consequences on health
Drinking alcohol throughout their life can result in serious health issues particularly when they continue drinking alcohol in older days. Certain health issues that affect them are:
● Diabetes
● High blood pressure
● Heart attacks and strokes
● Kidney failure
● Heart diseases
● Osteoporosis
● Liver problems
● Dehydration
● Mood disorders
● Memory loss
Few caregiving tips for treating alcohol abuse in older adults
Old people drinking alcohol need to be treated with immense care so that they can overcome their alcohol addiction and live a normal life. Proper caregiving can help them more than medication. So, behave properly with elderly people addicted to alcohol to help them out.
1. Manage the problem within the family
If an elderly person suffering from alcoholism belongs to your family, it is your sole responsibility to address their problems. You have to talk to him/her in a friendly manner so that he/she can confess their problems. Never involve any outsider to handle the matter as the elderly addicted may not like that. Convince other members of your family to spend more time with the elderly to help him/her get rid of alcohol.
2. Learn how to approach them to solve the problem
When you confess to your elderly family member or relative about his alcohol addiction, it should not sound like confrontation. Approach the elderly people accordingly so that they get convinced of what you are saying. Your aim is to reduce the effects of alcohol on the elderly daily life. Never embarrass them in order to do so. Rather than accusing them, try to support them like a friend and be patient to them.
3. Provide them nutritious diets
When you find one elderly member of your family or relative to have excessive alcohol, ensure that they are having nutritious meals. Besides being their mental support, you must take proper care of their health. Alcoholic elderly tends to get dehydrated. Make sure that they are taking the required quantity of water to keep them hydrated. To combat the health risks that can be life-threatening, offer them good food regularly.
4. Remove all alcohol from their surrounding
Ensure that there are no alcoholic substances near them. Ask other members of your family to keep an eye on the alcoholic elderly member so that he/she does not get exposed to alcohol near them. Talk with them calmly to make them realize the harmful effects of alcohol on their health. Proper caregiving can help to treat alcoholism in older adults better than medication. Notice whether the elderly addicted is still having alcohol amidst all these restrictions.
5. Provide them with substitutions
This is probably the best way to separate alcohol and the elderly. Offer them substitute non-alcoholic beer or wine so that they can avoid taking alcohol gradually. Replacing alcoholic substances with substitutes can help them to come out of the addiction. It may take time. Still, its benefits are unavoidable.
Final Lines
When certain caregiving at home can be fruitful for them, you need not send them to rehabilitation centers. If a physician recommends going to rehabilitation centers allow alcohol-addicted elder lies to go there. Follow the tips and take care of the elderly people properly to eliminate alcoholism in the elderly.
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