While substance abuse is often thought of as a problem that affects young people, it is also a serious issue among the elderly. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, almost a million adults older than 65 suffer from substance use disorders (SUDs). This is a troubling trend, as older adults are more vulnerable to the negative effects of substance abuse. Between 2000 and 2012, the proportion of rehab admissions of older adults to various treatment facilities increased from 3.4% to 7%. There are a number of reasons for this increase.1

The elderly may suffer from SUDs for different reasons. For one, they may be more likely to have chronic pain or other medical conditions that require medication. They may also be taking multiple medications, which can interact with each other and lead to problems.2

In addition, the elderly may be more isolated and lonely than younger adults, making them more susceptible to depression and anxiety. This can lead them to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Finally, the elderly may have a history of substance abuse, which can increase the risk of relapse.2

Assisted living communities can provide a much-needed lifeline for seniors suffering from substance abuse. However, finding the right facility can be challenging. Most assisted living communities are not equipped to deal with the unique needs of seniors. As a result, many seniors end up in facilities that are ill-suited to meet their needs. This can often make the problem worse, rather than better. For seniors suffering from substance abuse, it is essential to find an assisted living community that is equipped to deal with their unique needs.3

The combination of these factors has led to a sharp increase in substance abuse among older adults. It is important for loved ones and caregivers to be aware of this problem so that they can offer support and get help when needed.

What is a Residential Rehab Center?

A residential rehab center is a treatment facility for people struggling with addiction. Unlike inpatient facilities, which require patients to stay overnight, residents of a residential rehab center live at the facility full-time. This allows them to receive around-the-clock care and support from medical professionals.3

During their stay, residents will participate in group therapy, individual counseling, and other programs designed to help them overcome their SUDs. After completing treatment, residents can either return home or transition to a less intensive level of care, such as an outpatient program.3

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a type of housing designed to provide personal care and support services to seniors. The goal of assisted living rehab is to help residents maintain their independence and live as independently as possible. Services typically provided include 24-hour supervision, personal care assistance, meals and housekeeping.3

Assisted living residents typically live in their own apartments or private rooms and have access to common areas, such as kitchens, dining rooms, laundry facilities, and recreation rooms. Most assisted living communities also offer transportation and 24-hour security.3

Some may also provide additional services, such as memory care or skilled nursing. The level of care provided in an assisted living community depends on the state in which it is located. Assisted living is one option for seniors who need help with daily activities but do not require the constant supervision and medical care that is provided in a nursing home or, in the case of seniors suffering from SUD, in a rehab facility.3

What’s the Cost of Assisted Living?

The cost of assisted living can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including the location, type of facility, and the level of care required. The price range reflects the broad range of services that are typically included in an assisted living arrangement, such as help with activities of daily living, medication management, and access to on-site medical care.4

There are a number of ways to finance both rehabilitation and assisted living, including private pay, long-term care insurance, and government benefits such as Medicaid. Many assisted living facilities also offer financing options, such as monthly payment plans or deferred payment programs. The payment options are similar for treatment centers.5

Alcoholism in Senior Citizens

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcoholism is a “medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use” that can have serious consequences on all aspects of the struggling individual’s life.6 For the elderly, who are more likely to have chronic health problems, the risks associated with alcoholism are even greater.7

As people age, their bodies become less able to metabolize alcohol, meaning that they are more susceptible to its damaging effects. Heavy drinking can worsen existing conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. It can also lead to memory problems, high blood pressure, and gastrointestinal problems. In addition, alcoholism increases the risk of falls and other accidents, which may be more fatal for the elderly compared to the younger population.8

Unfortunately, the symptoms of alcoholism can be very similar to the effects of medication the struggling elderly individual may be taking, making it difficult to diagnose the condition. Age-related health conditions can also cause similar symptoms to SUD, making it even more difficult to identify alcoholism in the elderly.3,9

Due to these reasons, it may be concluded that seniors struggling with SUD often need more care and assistance than assisted living facilities can provide. Assisted living facilities are typically not equipped to deal with the complexities of SUD, failing to provide struggling elderly patients with the necessary level of care.3

For example, seniors with SUD may need access to detoxification services, which most assisted living facilities typically do not have. In addition, many assisted living facilities lack the staff or resources to properly deal with seniors who are actively using substances or experiencing withdrawal symptoms.3

Substance Abuse in the Elderly

As people age, their bodies become more fragile and susceptible to injury. Older adults may often turn to strong opioid-based pain medication in order to manage their pain, which can sometimes lead to substance abuse.7

The elderly may be just as likely to develop an addiction to pain medication as younger adults, but the problem can often go unidentified. Part of the reason for this is that older adults are more likely to live alone and may be less likely to have family or friends checking in on them. Additionally, many elderly adults are reluctant to talk about their pain or admit that they are having difficulty managing it.7

The symptoms of SUD can often be mistaken for symptoms of other health conditions that may be more expected at an older age, leading to a higher chance of the problem going unnoticed. Since the elderly typically have a prescribed medication regimen, these medications can interact with the substance that they may be abusing in unpredictable, life-threatening ways.7

Inpatient Rehab Centers For The Elderly

Inpatient rehab centers offer intensive and immersive treatment for addiction, giving patients the opportunity to focus on recovery without the distraction of everyday life. These centers typically provide around-the-clock care, which can include medical detoxification, individual therapy (usually cognitive-behavioral) and group sessions, relapse prevention, and other supportive services.3

Inpatient treatment is often most effective when it is tailored to the unique needs of each patient, which is why many rehab centers offer a variety of programs and levels of care. For the elderly population, inpatient rehab centers can provide a much-needed respite from the challenges of struggling with a SUD at an older age. These centers can also offer important opportunities for socialization and support, which can help to reduce isolation and loneliness during the recovery period.7

Inpatient rehab centers can potentially replace the assisted living place for a short period until they have recovered from addiction. For more information about how inpatient treatment works, or to discuss your specific needs, you can reach out to a trained rehab navigator who will walk you through the process.3

Outpatient Treatment For Those Staying in Assisted Living

Many addiction treatment centers offer outpatient programs that can be tailored to meet the needs of elderly patients. These programs typically involve regular visits to a therapist or counselor, who can provide support and guidance during recovery.3

Additionally, outpatient programs may also include group therapy sessions, which can provide a sense of community and camaraderie during the treatment process. While some treatment-seeking individuals prefer inpatient programs compared to outpatient, outpatient treatment can be a viable option for elderly patients who wish to receive treatment without having to leave their homes or assisted living facilities for a longer period of time.3

Dual Diagnosis Treatment For The Elderly

Many older adults suffer from both mental health issues and substance abuse problems, a condition known as dual diagnosis. Often, mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and PTSD can lead to substance abuse as a way of self-medicating. Similarly, substance abuse can worsen existing mental health conditions or even trigger the development of new ones. As a result, it is important to receive treatment for both problems simultaneously.7

Residential treatment programs (sober living) can provide comprehensive care for dual diagnosis, addressing both mental health and addiction issues simultaneously. Treatment may focus on managing symptoms of both conditions, developing healthy coping mechanisms, and improving communication and interpersonal skills. With this kind of comprehensive care and approach, residential treatment programs can significantly increase the chances of recovery in elderly individuals struggling with SUD.7

Long-term Rehab Treatment For The Elderly

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse and considering assisted living, you may want to consider long-term residential treatment instead. Specialized rehabilitation centers are more equipped to deal with SUDs than regular assisted living facilities. Long-term residential treatment centers provide around-the-clock care and support, as well as structured activities and therapeutic programs designed to help residents recover from addiction. The chances of a treatment-seeking individual recovering from their condition are higher in a facility that was designed to treat it.3

What Are the Benefits of Assisted Living for Seniors with Addiction?

There are a number of benefits of assisted living facilities for seniors, even if they’re struggling with SUD. The main benefits include:10

The opportunity to socialize with peers
Compassionate, helpful staff
Supervised prescribed medication schedules
Interesting activities and wellness programs

On the other hand, it’s important to note that all of these benefits are also present at a specialized rehabilitation facility, in addition to a wide range of other benefits specific to the facility of this kind. Therefore, while assisted living may be a great choice for an elderly individual struggling with daily tasks, a specialized rehabilitation program is the safe and logical choice for an elderly person suffering from SUD.7

How to select an Assisted Living Facility for Seniors with Addiction?

Choosing an assisted living facility is a big decision and it should be made with care. If you have a loved one who is struggling with addiction, you’ll want to make sure that the facility you choose is equipped to provide the level of care and support that they need.3

It’s highly unlikely that an assisted living facility will be equipped to provide the necessary care to your loved one, so it’s important to carefully consider the criteria that a facility needs to fulfill in order to be helpful to the treatment-seeking individual.3

Your safest choice is to choose a specialized treatment facility, designed for your loved one’s needs. Here are some important factors to keep in mind as you make your decision:3

Staff certifications: The staff at an addiction treatment center should be certified in addiction counseling and have experience working with patients with Substance Use Disorders.
Counseling services: Look for a facility that offers individual, group, and family counseling services. This will ensure that your loved one has access to the support they need both during and after their stay at the facility.
Mental health resources: Addiction often co-occurs with other mental health disorders, so it’s important to choose a facility that has experience treating patients with co-occurring disorders.
Group program: Many facilities offer group therapy as part of their treatment program. This can be an important component of recovery, as it provides patients with a supportive community of peers who are facing similar challenges.
Medication guidelines: If your loved one is taking medication for their addiction, be sure to ask about the facility’s medication guidelines. You’ll want to make sure that the staff is prepared to manage their medication regimen in a safe and effective way.

How to Find Assisted Living Rehab Facilities For Substance Abuse Near Me

For safe, high-quality care for you or your senior loved one struggling with SUD, you can reach out to American Addiction Centers (AAC), a well-established network of accredited rehabilitation treatment facilities in the US. The staff at AAC’s facilities are qualified and trained to work with elderly individuals struggling with SUD and are able to provide them with a high level of age-specific care.

These professionals are well-equipped to deal with various medical conditions and challenges, such as reduced mobility, heart or brain conditions, and more. In addition to handling the needs of the elderly treatment-seeking individuals, AAC offers programs that are tailored to the needs of numerous different population groups:

Treatment for struggling couples who want to work on their SUD together
Women or men-only treatment that’s gender-specific
Tailor-made programs for veterans suffering from SUD
Evidence-based and safe treatment for pregnant women battling SUD.

To guide you through the process and help you come to the right decision for your needs, AAC’s trained rehab navigators may direct you to an appropriate center in one of their locations:

Oxford, MS
Hollywood, Tampa, FL
Orange County, CA
Worcester, MA
Lafayette, NJ
Dallas, TX
Las Vegas, NV
Orange County, CA
Other locations across the US

You can also use the AAC directory to search for different treatment centers by location or use the verification form on the website to check the insurance coverage for your specific provider. You also have the option of calling AAC’s helpline and discussing your situation with a trained admissions navigator.

Traveling out of State for Treatment and Other Considerations

For seniors who are struggling with addiction, rehab treatment can be a lifesaving choice. The usual choice for most treatment-seeking individuals is to choose a facility that’s close to home, especially since the elderly typically don’t like being too far away from home.11

On the other hand, for elders who live in states with limited access to care, traveling out of state for treatment may be the best option. The main consideration is whether the facility in another state can offer a significantly higher level of care compared to the one available locally. The treatment-seeking individual can discuss their options with a trained professional who can help them create a detailed plan before making a decision.7

Does My Insurance Cover Long-Term Rehab Treatment (Assisted Living) For The Elderly?

Many treatment-seeking individuals don’t realize that their insurance may cover long-term rehab treatment at an assisted living facility. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA) of 2008 requires health insurance providers to include SUD treatment in their plans. However, not all kinds of treatment may be available.12

Some policies will cover all of the costs of treatment, while others may only cover a portion. It’s important to call your provider and check exactly what kind of coverage you or your loved one are entitled to and what your options are.12

Residential Assisted Living and Rehab for Drug and Alcohol Addiction Near Me