Alcohol Use and Seniors: What is a Healthy Balance?

Senior Health and Wellbeing  |  June 12, 2020

What Every Senior in Vancouver, BC Needs to Know About Alcohol Use

Alcohol Use and Seniors | Many of us don’t shy away from the occasional cocktail with a friend or the glass of wine with dinner, and for those seniors with proper doctor’s approval, this need not change them either. However, it’s crucial to be aware of how alcohol can physically and mentally affect elderly adults, and how those signs of alcohol abuse can look different with seniors.

Alcohol Use and Seniors: When Changes As We Age?

• The way we process alcohol changes – Our metabolisms slow down when we get older, and this means that alcohol stays in our blood for a longer period. This means that the effects last longer.
• Intoxication feels different – It’s no secret that older adults will have lower tolerances for alcohol, which means that the effects of alcohol can come about much more quickly and rapidly.
• Seniors are likely to have conditions made worse by alcohol use – Seniors may have conditions that are exacerbated by alcohol use, and often their medication cannot be mixed with alcohol.

While some seniors may discuss with their doctors what their situation is and find that they are fit to consume alcohol, many that don’t may find an array of the following signs and symptoms:

• Feelings of agitation when not drinking
• Lying about drinking habits
• Social or financial problems as a result of alcohol abuse
• Loss of appetite
• Drinking to combat feelings of depression or anxiety

There are many programs out there that specifically cater to seniors and alcohol, and studies have found that these sorts of programs are more effective when they target a specific age group. If you think someone has a drinking problem, you should encourage them to seek out help.

Comfort Keepers® is the Best Senior Home Care Provider in Vancouver, BC

When it comes to arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver, Comfort Keepers is the preferred choice for many families. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care, End of Life Care, Respite Care, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

Comfort Keepers®’s trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. Learn more about our unique service which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Vancouver office.

Comfort Keepers® Brings You The Best Home Care Assistance Right Where You Live.

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver is proud to provide home care throughout Vancouver that keeps seniors safe in their homes. We provide home care for the seniors of Vancouver and the surrounding areas of Burnaby, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Richmond please call (604) 689-8609. 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against a set of quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada. 

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