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JaneSays Asked May 2018

Alcoholic father and mother are now living with me. What can I do?

My father is 78 , he is not well. He is and alcoholic. Him and my mother came to live with me about 7 months ago. He has cancer, my mother does everything for him. I'm caught in the middle because I didn't like how he treats her and myself. He is very verbal with name calling taking tantrum, when he does not get his way. I'm ready to go downtown and take out an order. I'm throwing my hands in the air. Help

Ahmijoy May 2018
Hi, Jane. You say on your profile that Dad has cancer. Is his disease being managed? Does he go to a doctor regularly? If so, you need to talk to his doctor. If treating your mother like this is something new, maybe his level of pain has changed and he needs more medication. And, not saying it’s right, but if he has always treated your mom like this, sorry to say she’s probably used to it. Is there a chance he could have dementia? We call that a “broken brain” and striking out at loved ones verbally and sometimes physically as well can be a symptom of that. Also, you can contact your local chapter of Al-Anon which is a group for the families of alcoholics to learn how to deal with him.

You and your mom don’t have to put up with this treatment. If you truly are at your wit’s end with him, there are always facilities he can go to. You might even ask him, since he is so dissatisfied with his care at home, if he would rather live in one of those. Tell him you’d be happy to apply for Medicaid if needs be, and find one for him. Also, when he gets so nasty, stop what you are doing, no matter what it is, and walk away. Tell him you will come back when he can be polite. You don’t have to tolerate this. Understand that Dad doesn’t feel good, but that doesn’t excuse being nasty to everyone around him. And, if he should become physically abusive toward you or Mom, you are within your rights to call the police or Adult Protective Services and have him removed from the home.

Countrymouse May 2018
Jane, what sort of care is your father receiving for his cancer? Is hospice involved?

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BarbBrooklyn May 2018
Does your dad have dementia? Has he always been verbally abusive to you, and to your mom?

What kind of order are you thinking about? Eviction?
Have you asked them calmly to leave?

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