My boyfriend’s father is 59 years old. He is an alcoholic, he has been unemployed for several years, and he exhibits some signs of dementia. He lives with my boyfriend who supports him, but this is becoming very difficult for my boyfriend. He does not have insurance, nor is he currently receiving any sort of assistance.
What sort of assistance is available for a person such as him? My boyfriend and I are totally clueless about this and the more we search online for info, the more confusing it gets.
No, ADA does not cover alcoholism.
For instance, employers are still allowed to discipline their employees for conduct related to drug/alcohol abuse at the workplace. Whereas a person with a disability might be held to a different standard if their disability caused an incident.
this question is not about the ADA–
but a person can’t be discriminated against based on a past history of alcoholism..
is this in the US–
with dementia–he may be eligible for SSI/SSDI…
with that he will eventaully get medicaid/medicare…
but he’s not really elderly…..just a personof workgn age with alcoholism/possible dementia
if he weere younger–vocational rehab may have helped him get into a alcohol treatment program…..so he could get back to work…buthe has to want to get better–and get back to work–and he’s near retirement age
Generally, Alcoholism is something you bring on yourself and is not a disability. He is not eligible for any assistance. However there are support groups readily available. Time for some tough love.
The Federal Government and most state offices recognize alcoholism as a disease. This puts him in a category for aid.
Your BF should go down to the county and state offices and see what is father is eligible for, he may have something coming for one of the branches of the service, welfare, social security, there’s a ton of help but you have to get out and look for it, it’s not going to come knocking at your door.
Yes, as another poster said, alcoholism (and drug addiction) is considered a disease. However, I believe some treatment must have been or is being sought out for the problem.
Due to lower income i am guessing your boyfriends household has, considering he is supporting 2 individuals under one salary, your bf and his father would be able to get some sort of medical assistance, look on your states website and there should be links to welfare/medical/disability and all other assistances.
Alcoholism IS A DISABILITY under ADA regulations and is protected under ADA.
H-30.995 Alcoholism as a Disability
1. The AMA believes it is important for professionals and laymen alike to recognize that alcoholism is in and of itself
a disabling and handicapping condition.
2. The AMA encourages the availability of appropriate services to persons suffering from multiple disabilities or
multiple handicaps, including alcoholism.
3. The AMA endorses the position that printed and audiovisual materials pertaining to the subject of people suffering
from both alcoholism and other disabilities include the terminology “alcoholic person with multiple disabilities or
alcoholic person with multiple handicaps.” Hopefully, this language clarification will reinforce the concept that
alcoholism is in and of itself a disabling and handicapping condition.
59 is not that old in the over scheme of things. It sure is sad that he is not able to help his son with the bills.
It would be great if you could get him involved in AA and the 2 of you could go to ALANON. The people would help you in many ways. It is sad for his father not to be getting more out of life. Alcoholism is a disease that is treatable. It can lead to brain problems and many other physcial problems. There are inevitable if the father does not stop drinking.
The state site is a great place to look for her. You can contact them with questions.
You might want to check with your electric company and phone company for possible discounts on your bills. In CA they give you lower rates if your income is below a certain amount. Also, look into state disability, medicaid, SSI and whatever else you can find.
Your boyfriend certainly needs some help with this. He is in a very difficult situation. He is luck to have a girlfriend who cares so much.
There might be a social worker service that could help you out. You might look into that. A social worker would be able to tell you exactly what is available for him and his father where you live.
Good luck!
Alcoholism has nothing to do with disability. Stop buying him his booze.
If he has dementia or some other medically documented issue like that he may qualify for social security or something. Medicare is only available to disabled and those over 65 (I believe). You may be able to insure him through your bf work if he has group insurance.
Get a hold of your state’s Health and Human services office and ask them for any info they may have.