CHEMICAL ABUSE: An Intervention Program for the Elderly

Abstract

Although chemical dependency has been identified as a problem in the geriatric population, the literature continues to focus on issues of problem identification; few authors address the issue of providing appropriate services for the chemically dependent elderly. A goal of the Elders Health Program was to design a process of intervention using strategies employed by current chemical dependency treatment facilities, and to interface this process with knowledge and respect for normal aging changes. The intervention involved creating a unified and informed intervention team. The Elders Health Program illustrates that all elders have a network that can be employed or created in an effort to move the client into accepting the need to change. The ultimate goal is to improve the well-being of the client.

Chemical Dependency in the Elderly: The Enabling Factor

“…The remaining 39 patients identified in Emergency and the 29 outside referrals underwent an EHP intervention (N = 68). An intervention program was designed for each patient (Lindblom et al, 1992).…”

“…The next level of intrusiveness (Level Two) involved confronting the patient, stating consequences of the use behaviours, and encouraging the patient to seek help. The ultimate level of intrusiveness (Level Three) involved the intervention co-ordinator becoming actively involved and would only occur if it had been determined that the level of denial was so strong that it warranted this most intrusive intervention (Lindblom, Kostyk, Tabisz, Jacyk, & Fuchs, 1992).…”