But, most important, counselors must realize that elderly clients need to be met where they are, not where the counselor wants them to be. If anyone has any doubt that treatment works for elderly alcoholics, he or she just need look at John. He no longer forgets to shower or change his clothes. He now smiles a lot and has adjusted to a new way of life. He is attending a 12-step program with other recovering seniors and making new friends.
Counselors can help add quality of life to the years our elderly have left.
And that is well worth the effort. She currently is assisting in developing a track for treatment of seniors that will be implemented on an inpatient unit. References American Geriatrics Society. Early Versus Late Onset in Older Persons. Alcoholism in the Elderly.