Battling alcohol addiction; Loneliness often cause of problem among seniors
Rose is the classic elderly alcoholic. After her husband died from Alzheimer's disease, the 73-year-old woman confined herself to her home.
Her only contact was with the driver of the Dial-a-Bottle home delivery service who kept her supplied with the liquor she drank in ever-increasing amounts.
By the time authorities found her, Rose -- not her real name -- was suffering severe malnutrition and dementia -- a condition that causes mental confusion, said Marilyn Wright of Victoria.