Father is in early stage of Dementia. My Father has drank most of his life. He is not what I would consider an alcoholic in his senior years. However, with physician input he can have an occasional drink. I am seeking placement in a Personal Care Home, the homes have a no alcohol rule. I THINK THIS IS ACTUALLY A GOOD RULE. Father feels he is losing one of his freedoms and Father knowing there is a no alcohol rule has caused an issue with Father accepting a Personal Care Home. I realize part of acceptance is also not wanting to leave home. I plan to consult with his physician. Has anyone had to navigate this situation?
I have a couple of beers every day and am far from alcoholic, those two beers are controlled. And they are drunk over the course of four hours. No where near intoxication. Maybe a beer every 30 minutes would lead to intoxication? I don't know, never drank uncontrollably.
I have lived with an alcoholic and I definitely know what one is!
L was in assisted living an had a couple of glasses of Kendall Jackson Reserve Chardonnay each night. He had a little fridge in his room. I would buy him a case to him every three months or so. He was not an alcoholic, he just enjoyed his KJ. No harm in that.
Just so you know, someone that drinks every day is an alcoholic. He may not be a slobbering drunk but, he is an alcoholic. Understanding this will help you with placing him and his upset over losing his alcohol.
Here's a medical definition of alcoholism:
"A chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol. Alcoholism is the inability to control drinking due to both a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol. Symptoms include a strong need or urge to use alcohol. Those with alcohol use disorder may have problems controlling their drinking, continue to use alcohol even when it causes problems, or have withdrawal symptoms when they rapidly decrease or stop drinking."