As summer draws to a close, some of our older clients and their friends are thinking about moving to a retirement home. It’s important to work through the benefits and drawbacks as well as the costs of such a move well in advance of doing so. And don’t underestimate the quality-of-life factors that are important such as socializing with others and various opportunities to engage within the community. Happy hour is a treasured tradition among many older Canadians and much to our surprise, this topic hit the news this summer.
Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota, in the United States, led the passage of a bill in July nicknamed the “Grandparents’ Happy Hour” bill after one of his 82-year-old constituents led the fight to demand freedom for a licensed happy hour in her assisted living facility.[1] Prior to the new bill, there were a myriad of rules in Minnesota care homes where residents could only consume alcohol in their rooms or personally bring it to a gathering in the facility. With the passage of the new bill, care facilities can now serve alcohol to residents at Happy Hour gatherings unless a resident has some medical reason for not consuming alcohol.
On a personal note, my mother lived in an Ontario assisted living home through her mid-80s and well into her 90s. Happy Hour and Pub nights with dancing were often the highlight of her week. Beer and wine and some basic mixed drinks were served. However, the family were asked to supply Bailey’s ingredients for her requisite one “Brown Cow” which was her signature drink for decades. She even taught the retirement home staff how to make the perfect one!
What is the status of Happy Hour in Canadian retirement homes? And is it different in long-term care homes? Care home acts and regulations differ province by province. In Ontario, it appears that the consumption of alcohol is up to the individual private retirement residences. Some have licensed dining rooms and pub areas. And in long-term care, the same appears to be the case. On a quick review, there does not appear to be any specific legislation or regulation that governs Happy Hour in care homes in Ontario.
Moving across the pond, does the UK have rules and regulations about Happy Hour? Their pub culture has been a foundation of British life for decades. The UK National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) School for Social Care Research funded a study on alcohol and its benefits to residents in care homes. The study resulted in common sense guidelines. Dr Sarah Wadd, the lead researcher commented on the results.[2]
“People living in care homes should be supported to have as much choice and control of their lives as possible. It is important to remember that just as health has value, so too does pleasure. The goal is to find a balance between minimising risk and maximising quality of life. Our research has shown that this isn’t always happening in practice. We have produced good practice guidance for care staff and a guide for care home residents and the general public.”
When planning ahead and if you are considering a retirement home, think about what quality of life factors are important to you. Do you enjoy Happy Hour with your friends? If so, ask some questions when you review various options:
- What is your general policy on Happy Hour and serving alcohol to residents? Is this outlined in your Resident Handbook?
- Are there restrictions on the consumption of alcohol? For example, a limit on drinks, abstinence due to a specific medical condition, etc.
- Is alcohol only supplied in certain areas of the facility such as the dining room or pub? Is this included in my monthly fee?
- Am I allowed to keep alcohol in my room since I like a certain brand which you don’t supply, or can you keep that for me in a safe space?
As we get older, some may savour certain traditions such as Happy Hour. In many cases, it’s an opportunity for people to gather together, share some laughs, and to socialize. Guided by the principle of everything in moderation, we need to find the balance between minimizing risk and maximizing quality of life. Try a Brown Cow – you may like it!
Special Recipe for Brown Cow:
1 to 2 oz. Bailey’s Irish Cream liqueur
A titch of Cointreau
2 oz. Whole milk
Ice cubes
Shake well and serve.
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70gz5y2xpxo#google_vignette
[2] https://sscr.nihr.ac.uk/research/care-settings/alcohol-use-care-homes-practices/
