Addiction is not something you would expect to find among older adults. Most people assume that the elderly know better thanks to their rich life experience. However, that is not always the case. In reality, addiction is just as big a problem in young folks as it is among the elderly.
A significant portion of older adults struggles with different forms of addiction. The addictions could come in the form of alcohol or substance abuse, prescription medication, gambling, and so on. Most addiction problems are developed from a young age and may also become rife as one gets older.
Addictions that develop during advanced age are linked to traumatic life events and complicated health problems. Even so, the different forms of addiction can be life-threatening. One effective way to manage addiction is to move affected elders to retirement communities in Bon Air, VA, and senior living centers in other places.
There, they will be under the watchful eyes of the caregivers besides accessing expert help from psychological and medical experts at the center. Here is a detailed review of the benefits of retirement communities to elderly folks struggling with addiction.
Access To Trained Team
An ideal retirement community should have a wide range of trained team members to take care of the different needs of the elderly. That includes social workers, psychologists, nurses, and counselors. Such medical and mental health experts will provide the necessary assistance your loved one needs to overcome problems related to addiction and substance abuse.
Supervised Medications
Elderly people often have lower immunity. They also struggle with other problems such as lack of sleep which can easily cause an overreliance on prescription medication. When a person uses prescription medication for a long time then they are bound to be addicted to it.
Prescription medication is one of the leading causes of addiction among aging adults. Luckily, the problem can be contained by moving your loved one to a retirement community. The medical team at the center offers medications in a supervised and controlled manner. Thus, your loved one will only be given the right medication dosage to sufficiently avert the risk of addiction.
Limited Access to Alcohol and Other Substances
Living in a secure retirement community plays a huge role in assisting addicted elders to limit access to alcohol and other substances. Most retirement communities incorporate controlled menus that do not feature alcohol in almost all instances. Even when they do serve alcohol, it is often consumed under close supervision from caregivers. In this manner, the overconsumption of alcohol, which often leads to addiction, will be averted.
Different Exercise and Wellness Programs
Older adults are encouraged to exercise and work out for the sake of their physical and mental well-being. Assisted living communities have different programs that ensure that residents live active life. Working out, regular socialization, and engaging in hobbies are excellent activities that can help to divert the attention of elders with addiction problems from cravings and other negative thoughts.
Transportation
Older adults with addiction problems might have to visit outpatient rehab clinics or off-site counselors to help manage their condition. Transportation can be a major problem given that most of them cannot drive. However, assisted living communities provide them with free day-to-day transportation to help them get the professional assistance they need to stay healthy.
Consider Moving to Retirement Communities
You need all the help you can get to adequately look after an aging relative that struggles with substance abuse or addiction. Fortunately, retirement communities offer a supportive environment with trained experts that can help your loved one to get through the addiction predicament.
