Category: Archive: Dec 2019

Identifying and Treating Substance Abuse in Older Adults

Identifying substance abuse in an older adult Substance abuse problems are often misdiagnosed in older adults. Perhaps as a result of ageism or generational stereotyping, the topic of substance abuse and dependence is rarely associated with older adults, yet clinical research is beginning to identify the consequences of unrecognized substance abuse in the aging population. Complications that frequently occur with age, such as medical comorbidity, cognitive impairment, and frailty, contribute to the adverse interactions between substance abuse or misuse and an aging brain. Signs that may indicate a drinking or drug problem in an older adult include the following: Solitary…

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Multicultural Counseling in Social Work with Older Adults

As with all client populations, older adults are diverse and do not respond to a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment and practice techniques. The social worker’s role is to help older persons function with pride, dignity, and as much independence as possible. Individuals’ strengths and coping skills should be identified and utilized. Religious faith, family ties, and a sense of community are often sources of strength for older adults. Multicultural counseling focuses on understanding not only racial and ethnic minority groups (e.g., African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans), but also LGBTQ men and women, people with intellectual or developmental disabilities,…

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