Community News
When a Senior Loved One Has a Gambling Problem
Sad Elderly Man

 

Gambling is a huge industry in Canada. Casino gambling is more popular than ever.

Seniors enjoy bingo, racetrack betting—and especially, casino gambling. Retirement-aged consumers are an especially desirable demographic for the gaming industry because they fill the floors during off-peak hours. Casinos market to them aggressively, offering discounted meals, ‘Golden Oldies’ entertainment shows, and complimentary shuttle service.

For many seniors, gambling is harmless entertainment. They hop on the casino shuttle, socialize with others and casino staff, bet a few dollars and take advantage of senior discounts on meals, drinks and perhaps a show. They’ve set aside part of their entertainment budget for gambling, and they stop when they reach their limit.  However, some older adults develop a gambling problem that seriously impacts their financial well-being.

What is problem gambling?

Problem gambling—also referred to as gambling addiction, pathological gambling or a gambling disorder—happens when a person becomes obsessed with gambling and has an uncontrollable urge to keep gambling. According to the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, “For the problem gambler, making a bet is not just about having fun or winning money. Gambling becomes an emotional response to change the way they feel.” In addition, warns the NCPG, a person might have a gambling problem if they are:

  • Bragging about gambling, exaggerating wins and minimizing losses
  • Restless and irritable when not gambling
  • Gambling in hopes of winning back what they have lost
  • Borrowing money for gambling
  • Lying to hide time spent gambling or unpaid debts
  • Doing something illegal to get money for gambling
  • Jeopardizing a significant relationship or job by gambling

Why are seniors at higher risk?

The NCPG explains that boredom, isolation, depression and cognitive impairment affect judgment and make it harder for senior gamblers to stick to their limit. Seniors on a fixed income—who can little afford to gamble away their money—might hope that they will strike it rich and improve their financial situation. In addition to the signs above, family may notice that their loved one has withdrawn from the activities they used to enjoy. Possessions may have disappeared from their loved one’s home, and their loved one is vague about what happened. A senior may be neglecting their personal needs—food, medical care, or exercise. And here’s a sign experts often cite as a red flag: Seniors with a gambling addiction show little interest in the buffet, entertainment or social aspects of a casino trip, instead heading straight for their “lucky machine” and settling in.

What can family do?

The first step is to review the warning signs of problem gambling to get a better picture of whether your loved one has a problem. You can’t step in merely because you don’t approve of gambling, or you think Mom should spend her entertainment money somewhere else.

The next step is to determine whether there are medical reasons behind the problem. Gerontologists say problem gambling might be a sign that a senior is dealing with early Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive impairment that impairs judgment and impulse control. The side effects of some medications also can make a senior more susceptible to compulsive gambling. For example, certain drugs prescribed to control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease have been linked to impulse control—including pathological gambling. Urge your loved one to be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out or diagnose these problems.

Having a conversation about problem gambling can be very difficult. Your loved one may resist talking about it and may insist that there isn’t a problem. Assure them that you have their best interests in mind, and that you want to help, not judge. Encourage your loved one to talk to a professional. Treatment is available for gambling addiction and includes support groups, psychotherapy and sometimes medication. Consider bringing in a geriatric care manager (also called an aging life care specialist) to mediate the conversation and to help you locate treatment resources. Talk to your loved one’s financial manager, or consult an elder law attorney. Sometimes, if a senior is no longer able to manage their money, families must take a larger role. (Read “Stepping In, Stepping Up: Legal Issues for Family Caregivers” in the August 2016 issue of the Caring Right at Home newsletter to learn more. A poll in that issue found that many Caring Right at Home readers have held a durable power of attorney or guardianship for a senior loved one at some point.)

Not every gambling habit rises to the level of addiction. A senior who goes to the casino several times a week to stave off boredom and loneliness might find even more mental stimulation and companionship through a senior recreation program, volunteer service, events at their faith community, or taking a class. Help your loved one locate appropriate activities in the area. If your loved one has become isolated due to mobility challenges, consider hiring home care to provide companionship and transportation. Even computer games can be a substitute for folks who enjoy relaxing with a machine—and as a bonus, these games offer far more mental stimulation and brain exercise than a slot machine.

Visit Right at Home Canada

Take Control Of Your Health!

The beginning of the year is a great time to think about your health and investigate ways of improving it. One of the most effective things that you can do is to get tested nutritionally. For example, Contact Reflex Analysis nutritional testing will determine if you are lacking specific nutrients that could be causing or contributing to an unwanted health condition. If a weakness or deficiency is found, specialized nutritional formulations can be taken to correct the affected areas, so your health can improve naturally. Let 2019 be the year that you take control of your health and well-being.

Celebrate Every Step Forward

The new calendar year potentially heralds thoughts of resolutions and new beginnings. For some, this feels inspiring, and for others, overwhelming. We may make plans for eating healthier, exercising more, or improving our relationships, but eventually our momentum may wane. Instead of feeling proud that we were inspired and motivated, and maybe made steps toward our intention, we may judge ourselves for “failing” or being “weak-willed”. Challenge yourself by resolving this new calendar year to celebrate each and every small, medium, or large step that you take toward becoming the best you! Happy 2019!

Product Review: RC Essential Oil

This time of year brings new memories and resolutions, but sometimes may also bring discomfort to your respiratory system.
RC Essential Oil blends the scents of cypress, spruce and eucalyptus to provide a refreshing aroma to the air in any office or home. RC promotes a restful sleep when diffused in a bedroom. It also provides an invigorating experience when added to a bath or shower. When applied to the throat or chest RC also promotes a refreshing respiratory experience.

Purify Your Home

Here in Canada, due to our colder climate, we tend to seal our homes and buildings with deadly precision. We use the term “deadly” because there is a possibility of over 1500 invisible and potentially toxic substances contaminating your air space right now, Isn’t it time you took control over what you’re breathing? With active purification technologies such as ionization, UV light and Activated Oxygen; we can now effectively remove smoke, odours, allergens, bacteria and viruses! Purifiers such as the pureAir 500C are effective solutions that have a whisper quiet fan when running.

Staying Social as a Senior

As we get older, health conditions, mobility limitations or a lack of energy can keep us from being as socially active as we once were. A diminishing social life might happen gradually as close friends experience the same conditions and family members grow busy. We may not even notice how long it has been since we last spent time with a friend! Isolation has many physical and emotional health risks. Especially if you live by yourself, staying socially active is critical to enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Volunteer at a local organization, join a senior living community or find a group that focuses on similar interests (e.g., knitting, water aerobics, cooking). Get back to living your best life!

Suffering from Plantar Fasciitis?

When tiny tears occur in the thick, fibrous band of tissue reaching from your heel to your toes (called “fascia”), inflammation and pain are the result. This is plantar fasciitis and left untreated, can produce heel spurs. A number of things can contribute to plantar fasciitis. While men can get plantar fasciitis, it’s more common in women. You’re also more likely to suffer from this condition as you age, or if you’re overweight or on your feet for several hours a day. VoxxLife socks and insoles are proven to reduce pain and improve circulation, thereby encouraging healing.

Product Review: Kyäni Sunrise™

Kyäni Sunrise™, is a blend of Superfoods, vitamins, and trace minerals. Taken in the morning, it provides a rich blend of antioxidants that help defend against free radical damage. Kyäni Sunrise™ contains juices and extracts from some of the world’s most potent antioxidant sources, including: Wild Alaskan Blueberries, Concord and White Grapes, Red Raspberries, Pomegranate, Cranberries, Aloe Vera, Maqui and Amla Berries, Gooseberries, Ginseng, Kale, Brocolli, Ashwaganda, Spinach, Mangosteen, Acai, Aronia and Wolfberries. Natural ingredients your body needs to support heart health, healthy blood sugar levels, mental health, and immune system… all in one little pouch!

Tips for Safe Shoveling

Shoveling snow can be a great exercise to build a strong and healthy back. As with any exercise, there are a few tips to make it more enjoyable. Wear appropriate clothing–dress in layers with good footwear, headgear, and gloves for warmth. Pace yourself–heavier snowfalls can take a great deal of time to clear, so take breaks as required. Use proper form–keeping your core engaged and using your legs will lighten the load. Soreness is to be expected–but if any pain or soreness lingers for a few days, call your physiotherapist to address your needs.

New Year, New You!

2019 is here! Let’s make this a year your body will remember! Check out a fitness centre near you and ask about how you can join the community and meet like-minded people. A variety of classes are offered to meet your needs and wants this year. Not only will you stay active, but you may also reap benefits like weight loss, detoxification, skin purification, stress reduction, and promote healing in other areas of your body. You are worthy of a healthy mind, body, and soul. Join the fitness community today and start working towards the best version of yourself possible!

Learn to Master Self-Compassion

’Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions. This year, why not try something a bit different? Commit yourself to the cultivation of self-compassion. Research demonstrates a strong link between self-compassion, health, and wellness. Indeed, many experts believe it to be fundamental to good mental health. Cultivate self-compassion through a positive daily mantra. Write a kind letter to yourself at the end of each week, by taking the perspective of a loving friend. Once you’ve mastered self-compassion, turn your attention to others. Showing compassion for others is a surefire way to create happiness in your life.