My father is in an assisted living home and is addicted to tums (calcium carbonate). he is constantly chewing on them? i am his guardian should i keep getting them or no?

Tums (calcium carbonate): First it is calcium carbonate. With food it is antacid. On empty stomach w/o food can act as cheap calcium supplement. But he may have chewing disorder which can be side effect of antipsychotic or other drugs used in elderly. Perhaps feels need chew and rather than grinding his teeth Tums is his choice. Speak with his doc. What does do if don't give tums? How many in day? This could be motor disor.

No: You need to get blood work to see if there is a reason he craves them. Maybe he has ulcers. Too many Tums (calcium carbonate) can affect calcium levels in the blood.