My mother-in-law sleeps and watches tv all day. She rarely eats. She makes excuses not to go out. What can I do?

She probably needs to get some medication,see a Dr.Have you tried getting a companion for her? Sounds like she's lonely and needs help.They don't want or like it at first but I find as a cna of 22 years they usually calm down and start to thrive with someone there during the day to help with ad is or just be there ad friendly face

From someone who has an alcoholic brother.....unless they want to change, they won't. My brother has been to rehab three times and used the time as a vacation to get away.....paid for by insurance. He's 48 and what I will call a "functional alcoholic" (able to hold a job, but a weekend binge drinker). He likes his life as well.....watches TV constantly and is rail thin. Only a matter of time, I would guess, before his body will begin to breakdown......it's been 15 years. I can't even imagine having to live with him as you do with your MIL. Sadly, the alcohol addiction is their only true focus and all that really matters to them. Diversion tactics won't work since there is no desire to pursue them. At the age of 70 she is still capable of making this her life's choice. I would suggest going to AL-ANON meetings if available in your area.....they can be a lifeline to help you maneuver through this difficult situation. And the support is most beneficial.....always helps when others can relate because they walk in your shoes. Best of luck....this is a difficult journey.

Hate tell you but there are people who like to live like this. If she rarely eats then she is an alcoholic. She is in fact slowly killing herself. What you and yours have to do is not be sucked into the vortex

Alcoholism is an extremely hard addiction to overcome. A person needs to truly want to stop drinking. And, even if they do, it seems like there’s always an excuse to have “just one”. An alcoholic can always justify their drinking. Alcohol adds to depression and anxiety, even if in an alcoholic’s mind it’s supposed to make them feel better. Alcohol kills the appetite.

Sometimes, having a reason not to drink helps. When their mind is happily occupied with something they enjoy, they don’t need the alcohol to make them feel better. It’s not that important anymore. But again, an alcoholic needs to want to find something like that.

If she purchases her own beer, there isn’t much you can do. If you or anyone else is buying it for her, of course you need to stop. But, she will need medical intervention because stoping drinking “cold turkey” can be dangerous. She actually needs to go to an addiction rehab facility. But, once again, of she doesn’t want help, not much you can do. What concerns me is that if she drives, she may be going out to buy more alcohol and driving drunk.

Im so sorry you’re dealing with this. It really is a problem that needs professional intervention. It’s difficult to watch someone destroy themselves, it unless they want help, not much you can do.

Depression and drinking problems are very hard to deal with. You said you have tried and she refused help. Is there someone else who has more influence on her? To whom she will listen? I wonder if there are motivational programs, shows or dvds that she can watch. I once came across a tv program where the speaker was a former drug addict or drinker and found the motivation and strength to turn his life around. It was religious in nature, so if your mother is religious then it may work.

On the other hand, at her age of 70 something, it seems like this is how she wants to spend the rest of her life. She has the right to do it. You may have to wait until she gets so sick that she ends up in the hospital, then perhaps the hospital can help wean her off the booze, and give her something for her depression.