I'm sorry to disagree Cheryl. Alcohol depends on the patient's need and/or wants. This is their home, yes we don't let folks get drunk and disorderly, but we also don't deny them the odd drink if it's okay with their doctor and family (who must supply the booze).
I hope Cheryl realizes that prohibition days are long past.
I have a girlfriend whose adult daughter that is mentally challenged, often goes with her mother to their club and the daughter will have a couple of drinks. At first, some of the other members were horrified that she would allow her mentally challenged daughter to drink alcohol. I had to hide my laugh when the objectors were asked, "And why shouldn't she have a drink if she is of legal age?" So many of the women could only come up with the word "Retarded". (I
Hate that word.)
A lot of folks tend to forget that there is a minor amount of nutrition in beer. We have two parties here in this building each year. Christmas and at the end of summer. Management provides soft drinks. coffee and tea. The men if they want to drink, have to bring their own. Usually homemade Italian wine. (Often very potent!) Last year Francesca who was 101 y.o. at that time, wanted a BIG glass of the wine. The men were only too happy to fill her wish. They did dilute it a bit with ginger ale. When her glass was empty, she went upstairs to her room and slept it off.
I have heard of many nursing homes over the years that will serve an alcoholic beverage to their patients if they ask for it. At one of Boston's largest hospitals, they often will serve a beer or two, to an alcoholic patient. As you know Cheryl, I don't drink. But I see nothing wrong with allowing an elderly patient to have something that will give them joy in the last years of their life.
When I worked at Revere Memorial, we had a patient that was dying. And she knew it. Her very last request was for a shot of whiskey. She got a diluted one, and about 30 minutes later, she had left us. She went very happy. Would you have denied her, her last request?