Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
T
Tiredandsad Asked December 2020

Dad will not eat, he's not drinking, refuses to bathe and take medicine. What do I do?

It's like he is starving himself on purpose. My dad is an alcoholic and just wants wine or some kind of pill to take away his anxiety. Never ever learned coping skills. He will literally go all day and eat and drink nothing. I am at a loss, what do I do?
Help !!

JennaRose Dec 2020
Hi Tiredandsad,

Being a recovering alcoholic (sober for 35 years) I also didn't eat because my reasoning at that time was that the alcohol would work faster on an empty stomach and of course I wanted to get drunk as fast as I could. Like your Dad I would also go for days without eating food. I was so skinny it was scary.

I suggest you attend Al-Anon meetings to learn how to cope with an alcoholic. Your Dad is probably not going to stop drinking and another person can't force him to eat (at least they couldn't with me).

Alcoholism is a disease at least with me as I would metabolize alcoholic totally different compared to a "normal" person due to many factors including genetics.

Does your Dad have any other problems?

Wishing you the best,
Jenna

Countrymouse Dec 2020
Tiredandsad, is your Dad still living on his own just down the street from you?

If his circumstances haven't changed since you last posted, you'd better get in touch with APS and ask their advice. But first of all list his known medical history and care needs so that you can give them a clear picture of what they're dealing with.

ADVERTISEMENT


cdnreader Dec 2020
Dear Tiredandsad,

Sorry to hear what is happening with your dad. Have your tried talking to his doctor? Social worker? It could be many things affecting his decision to stop caring about himself and his well being. It could be mental, physical or lack of social connection this year from Covid. I hope you are able to connect to the right professionals that will help you figure out what is happening with your dad.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter