Senior Health: Common Signs of Alcohol Abuse in Older Adults

Vancouver Senior Health  |  May 21, 2019

What Every Senior and Family in Vancouver, BC Needs to Know About Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol Abuse | You may enjoy a drink or two now and again. This is normal. Many seniors can drink in moderation without doing any damage to their health. However, going forward, if your loved one does consume alcohol, you should be aware of the effect it can have on them and how it is processed by an older body. We will also go over some of the signs of alcohol abuse in people over the age of 65.

Before we go into any of the stuff mentioned above, we wanted to address something many individuals think about alcohol abuse: “I do not need to worry about my parent, they were never an alcoholic.” Did you know that over 10 percent and as many as 15% of alcoholics do not start drinking before turning 65? Alcoholism is a huge concern within the senior community and needs to be addressed.

Alcohol Abuse in Seniors is Different

• The way the body processes alcohol changes over time. Seniors have much slower metabolisms, which means that alcohol stays in their system for much longer.
• At the same time, older adults can become intoxicated much more quickly and intensely than younger individuals.
• Intoxication also feels very different for seniors as they have a much lower tolerance for alcohol.
• Several chronic health conditions seniors often face can be exacerbated by alcohol abuse.

If You Are Worried About Alcohol Abuse Ask Yourself These Questions:

• Do they feel ill-tempered often?
• Are they having trouble sleeping?
• Have they ever sustained an injury while intoxicated?
• Do they ever have a drink or two because they are feeling depressed or anxious?
• Have they lost their appetite?
• Have their hygiene-related habits declined recently?
• Has your senior parent’s physician recommended they avoid alcohol altogether?

If you answered yes to any of the above, it may be time to speak to your loved one about alcohol abuse. If you do not feel comfortable doing so, we can help.

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

Comfort Keepers® is the preferred choice for many families when arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver. 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 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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