How do we handle my father's Alzheimer's and alcoholism?
Dear Help for Alcoholic Dad:
I’m sorry to hear that you’re dealing with such a difficult situation.
As you’re well aware, alcoholism isn’t a disease that is cured. If someone stops drinking, it is a disease that is at best, in remission. Any damage done from the years of drinking, including alcohol induced dementia, cannot be undone.
The loss of your mother certainly triggered your dad's depression, and it sounds as if he has fallen back on the same behavior he used when he was drinking earlier in his life to deal with the stresses of that time. There is no way that his drinking is of any therapeutic value – he has the disease of alcoholism, and has gone back to previous behavior because of the unexpected death of his wife, your mother.
It is quite possible that your dad, because of his dementia, cannot honestly recall how much or why he is drinking. The combination of alcohol and dementia is a major challenge for you, and it sounds as if your dad is living on his own, which gives you virtually no control over his activities.
I suggest a series of steps be taken, all of which will require that you get your brother and sister on-board. None of these steps will be easy or without serious strain on your father and the family.
First, because your dad is a known alcoholic, you need to have him placed in a detox center to have the alcohol cleared from his system. Because of his dementia, he may not be capable of being rational and getting on a long term sobriety plan, so you’ll have some follow up steps to take.
Consider talking to the local Alzheimer’s Association about your exact circumstances and ask if they have any experience with similar situations. You’ll want to know what they suggest and their advice on dealing with this multi-faceted problem.
You may also want to consider talking to an attorney about getting guardianship of your father. If you succeed at taking that step, you can place your father in a facility where total treatment of his dementia as well as control over his environment, movements and ability to stay alcohol-free will be enhanced because he will be carefully monitored.
This is a situation that is far beyond family control, and has to be dealt with in steps and stages with the help of professionals and specialists. I wish you well, and hope that you’re successful in helping your father deal with his current challenges.
