My mom is an alcoholic. She is drinking herself to death...she even tells us that she is trying to kill herself. She refuses to eat. She has problems controlling bowel movements and her eyes are now blood red including her eyelids at the waterline. She has fallen down several times from being so drunk. I dont believe she even sleeps much. Her family has a long history of depression and mental health issues. She has eye problems, Gout, diabetes and heart problems. She had part of her colon removed several years ago from cancer. She cancels her checkups and refuses to go to the doctor using every excuse she can think of. She drinks everyday beginning at 7am. My younger sisters keep asking me what to do and I am at a loss. Any direction will be greatly appreciated.
Guardianship is about the only way to “force” anything on her. I’m so sorry, I really sympathize with you. Alcoholism runs in my family and I know firsthand that......there is little you can do for someone who doesn’t want to help themselves.
If she is of sound mind she can make the decisions to not go to her doctor for follow up visits. If she is of sound mind she can decide not to eat, she can decide that she does not want to take her medication if she has any.
Unless you have her declared incompetent you can not "force" her to do anything.
If she is declared incompetent you or other family member could become her Guardian or if you do not want to take this role then the State would appoint a Guardian.
You could consult an Elder Care Attorney for more help and how to deal with the situation. Many will provide a free consultation. You could also check your local Senior Services or Adult Protection Service to see if they have other ways to intervene.