Elder Services: Drug and Substance Abuse
With nearly 20 percent of seniors over 65 facing substance abuse problems, it is no wonder that substance abuse in the elderly has been called "One of the fastest growing health problems in this country." According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, over ten percent of hospital admission for seniors are related to drug or alcohol problems. These numbers rise to "14 percent of elderly emergency room admissions, and 20 percent of elderly psychiatric hospital admissions." The group with the highest rate of alcoholism in America is not teens or any ethnic group, it is widowers over the age of 75.
Several factors contribute to the prevalence and rise of elderly substance abuse. …show more content…
The signs and symptoms may not be noticed because there are no family members or friends checking up on them. Those that do, may not know what to look for, especially if the substance abuse involves prescription medications.
If you suspect your senior loved one may be suffering from substance abuse, elder services can help. From medication management support to compassionate care, elder services personnel not only give you an extra set of eyes and ears, but those same eyes and ears often provide comfort and solace to a senior in need. Too many times what a senior really needed was somebody to listen, care, and simply be there. Elder services can provide that support during times when family members cannot.
Elder services can also help to decrease your loved one's need for increased medication or drugs. By providing assistance with daily living tasks such as light housekeeping, laundry, cooking and so forth, seniors no longer need to perform the tasks that cause them pain and anguish due to chronic conditions, loss of mobility, stress, or other debilitating circumstances.
In short, substance abuse among the elderly is a growing problem. However, with the proper support, your loved one has a way out. Elder services can help light that
With nearly 20 percent of seniors over 65 facing substance abuse problems, it is no wonder that substance abuse in the elderly has been called "One of the fastest growing health problems in this country." According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, over ten percent of hospital admission for seniors are related to drug or alcohol problems. These numbers rise to "14 percent of elderly emergency room admissions, and 20 percent of elderly psychiatric hospital admissions." The group with the highest rate of alcoholism in America is not teens or any ethnic group, it is widowers over the age of 75.
Several factors contribute to the prevalence and rise of elderly substance abuse. …show more content…
The signs and symptoms may not be noticed because there are no family members or friends checking up on them. Those that do, may not know what to look for, especially if the substance abuse involves prescription medications.
If you suspect your senior loved one may be suffering from substance abuse, elder services can help. From medication management support to compassionate care, elder services personnel not only give you an extra set of eyes and ears, but those same eyes and ears often provide comfort and solace to a senior in need. Too many times what a senior really needed was somebody to listen, care, and simply be there. Elder services can provide that support during times when family members cannot.
Elder services can also help to decrease your loved one's need for increased medication or drugs. By providing assistance with daily living tasks such as light housekeeping, laundry, cooking and so forth, seniors no longer need to perform the tasks that cause them pain and anguish due to chronic conditions, loss of mobility, stress, or other debilitating circumstances.
In short, substance abuse among the elderly is a growing problem. However, with the proper support, your loved one has a way out. Elder services can help light that