
My father has dementia. I do his grocery shopping. Lately he’s been asking me to buy a bottle of wine. He’s never been an alcoholic but occasionally enjoys a glass of wine while he eats. I believe he has been having hallucinations lately so I can’t see how alcohol could be good for him, but I’m not sure if it would hurt. I will have to ask his new Dr. (his previous Dr. retired).
Since I was up late last night when I posted my previous response I forgot that you can also try sparkling wine which can come in mini bottles ("MAYDAY'S" comment reminded me of that :) )
It has less alcohol and yet is still enjoyable to drink - even my husband and I will drink it occasionally.
Here is the information on it which I got from "Google"
Alcohol Content
Sparkling wines are lower in alcohol than many still wines. Prosecco and Asti have very low APV (alcohol by volume) levels at under 12.5 percent. California sparkling wine, Champagne, and Cava have a moderately low alcohol content at 12.5-13.5 percent. Some sparkling wines can have a lower APV level.
Make a little happy hour when you visit.
I am actually thinking about doing that with my LO.. well, maybe just 1 glass split between us ..Not sure how that would effect her.
That's a good suggestion and compromise!
My mom is 95 with Alzheimer's and when she lived at her previous ALF, I would go with her to their happy hour and they served one of those 4 oz plastic cups with wine which she drank. She was never told not to drink alcohol.
As with anything moderation is the key - I never provided her with alcohol for her to have in her apartment. However, when I would take her out for special occasions I would get us each a glass of wine and once in awhile a Margarita or alcoholic coffee drink after lunch or dinner.
I guess I just did it by gauging her abilities once consumed. Currently, she is in a memory care unit and I'm not able to go inside the facility but for the first time, I was sent a picture from the director of my mom at their happy hour last Friday. I don't think she had anything to drink but, was there for the live music.
Also, I think since your dad has hallucinations, I would probably be concerned too. My mother has never experienced hallucinations so I would proceed with asking his new doctor just to be sure and to ease your mind.
The hallucinations are the main reason for concern here. Does your Dad have a type of dementia in which hallucinations are common? That is something you should make an appointment about. If a sudden onset you will want to have him checked for a UTI. And in any case this is reportable to his doc, in which case you can ask also about the glass of wine as an aside during appointment.