Key takeaways:
Making excuses for the addict
Making rationalizations for their irresponsible behavior
Ignoring the problem's caused by the addict's use
Accepting their excuses or believing their lies
Not discussing the problems
Those in my opinion are worse than giving them money or a place to stay. Ignoring the problems and making excuses don't help anyone. That's not even with addiction that's any problem.
Everyone should be reminded about not enabling on occasion.
To parents and others. Addiction or alcoholism is not cured by age. Most will not grow out of it. Problem is many seniors don't realize how much work it takes for the addict/alcoholic to change their ways, especially adults because there is a good chance they have had their bad habits for years if not decades. I see older parents enabling their adult child and they simply don't get enabling. Not only are they paying the price $$$ but the alcoholic is getting worse.
The alcoholic is also slick always trying to present the side effects as an illness like the flu or broken toe. For example they rationalizing a stroke & high blood pressure as years of unemployment(by their own hand being extremely picky about the work/jobs they took). They say financial stress caused wear and tear on their body yet they literally spent most of their money on bars, concerts, partying etc. They did not save or buy a house with a mortgage.
As stated in the op, don't clean up the addict/alcoholics messes. Don't even front money or pay bills for them if they pay it back days later. The alcoholic/addict must learn to deal with all the small stuff in daily life. By forcing them to handle the details and seemingly benign tasks they are forced to prioritize their budget and time. If small things are done for that leaves more time for their habit. Even if they make bad decision it might force them to a bottom and chose rehab rather than beg, con and/or manipulate people for money, transportation, housing etc.
I'm seeing seniors enable their adult children and both their worlds will not end well.
DO NOT ENABLE
