Alcoholism is an issue that many older adults face every day, but some of the symptoms may be hard to recognize as related to alcohol. If your older loved one has a home nurse, they may be able to help you establish if you should be concerned about a potential alcohol problem. If your family member is exhibiting these signs and has access to alcohol in their home, keep an eye out for these possible signs of alcohol misuse. 

3 Signs of a Possible Drinking Problem

1. Making Excuses

When you show up at the senior’s home after dinner, are they disheveled and out of focus? If you ask how they’re doing, they may make excuses such as being tired or having had a long day, when in reality they’ve been drinking longer than just after dinner. Some even try to minimize their drinking habits by saying they just need it to sleep or to take the edge off. If your loved one has a home nurse, ask them to keep an eye out as well. People with alcoholism often drink at all hours, but it’s more difficult to hide when it’s not the evening, when they may have ordinarily had just a night cap.

2. Hygiene Changes

Does your senior loved one take care of himself or herself? If they’re drinking too much, they may neglect simple hygiene tasks like bathing and teeth and hair brushing. This could also be an indication of memory troubles such as dementia, so look for other signs of alcoholism to confirm this possible symptom, such as alcohol in the home.

3. Unexplained Injuries and Sickness

Does your loved one have bruising they can’t explain? Sometimes individuals with memory loss experience this issue. However, the senior could also be hiding the fact that they were drinking heavily and lost their balance. Similarly, nausea and a lack of appetite could be the sign of a hangover the older individual is not ready to admit. If they have one, talk with their home nurse about potential health issues that could have been caused by alcohol consumption. Ask that they let you know if they suspect drinking as an underlying cause of their injuries or illnesses so you can get the person the help they need to cut back and improve their health.

The talented home nurses at CareResource Hawaii in Honolulu, HI, are trained in managing senior medications, hygiene, and helping them stay independent for as long as possible. To learn about the nonprofit company’s exceptional carers and full range of services, call (808) 691-4663. Visit the website for information on their nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medical social worker offerings.