How to Manage Your Aging Parent's Drinking Problems

It is hard for family caregivers to look after their loved one when he or she falls into a drinking habit. If you live in Ft. Lauderdale respite care may help your aging parent when you are not around. You may feel concerned about your loved one and his or her drinking problems. Here are 6 ways to manage your loved one's alcohol addiction.

1. Avoid Conversations While They Are Drinking

The professionals at Home Care Assistance Fort Lauderdale suggest you speak in a gentle manner whenever you see your loved one. Whenever you see your loved one drunk then it's better to avoid talking to him or her. Your loved one may become angry or act in a harsh manner when they are drinking. It may be hard for seniors to have a conversation especially when they are drunk and are not in the right frame of mind. Wait for a few hours before talking to your loved one on important matters.

2. Be Careful When Speaking to Seniors

Try not use the word "alcoholic" so your loved one doesn't feel embarrassed or depressed. In this way, you can help seniors to find a new meaning in their life instead of cuss words. Calling names may enhance your loved one's drinking problems because he or she may feel sad and lost. Don't get angry and try to keep a simple tone when speaking with your loved one while he or she is drunk.

3. Discuss Your Observations

Talk in detail with your aging parent about helping him or her to cut down the addiction of drinking. Your loved one may deny or fail to realize that he or she is an alcoholic. Let your aging parent know that his or her behavior has changed recently. Ask your loved one about his or her life and where he or she spends the most time at.

4. Have Mini Conversations

Take time out every day to talk to your loved one about his or her alcohol problems. Don't have a giant conversation or go into detail when speaking with your aging parent. Talk to your loved one from time to time that his or her drinking habits are making your life difficult. Ask your loved one in a polite manner that his or her alcohol addiction is causing you harm and stress. Arrange an intervention, if your loved one is afraid to seek help for his or her drinking problem. Get help from an expert to help your loved one to overcome his or her addiction.

5. Know When to Drop the Issue

It may be in your best interest to take a step back if your aging parent fails to accept his or her drinking habits. Your loved one may have health issues or have a poor hygiene because of the alcohol problem.

6. Talk to Other Family Members

Get in touch with your family members if your aging parent's drinking habits are not under control. If you can't help your loved one with his or her alcohol problem then set stern rules in the house. Ask your family members to not serve alcohol on any occasion to cut down your loved one's alcohol intake. Tell your family members on how to react when your loved one is drunk and gets angry.

If you feel up to it then hire an expert caregiver from Ft. Lauderdale FL dementia care for your loved one. A caregiver can help your aging parent to live a safe life at home.

Manpreet Singh Bhalla is associated with Home care Assistance of Fort Lauderdale, FL and he is happy to accomplish his passion for improving the lives of seniors through the written word.