Helping a Senior Loved One With a Substance Use Problem
Aging presents emotional and physical challenges that can create significant distress for seniors. Some may turn to unhealthy coping habits, such as excessive alcohol consumption or substance use, for relief. These behaviors compromise the senior's health and can create difficulties and frustration for concerned family members trying to provide support.
As a family caregiver, you may feel isolated when trying to help a senior loved one with addiction. But you are not alone—according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 1 million people age 65 and older have a substance use disorder.
With guidance from a trusted physician and your devoted support, your senior can learn effective coping strategies to discover healthier alternatives and better manage life's challenges.
3 Ways to Cope With a Senior’s Substance Use Disorder
Helping a senior loved one with a substance use disorder can be overwhelming, especially when you don’t know who to turn to for help. The following strategies can guide you in providing compassionate, effective support while prioritizing their well-being and your own.
- Keep Health Care Providers Informed
Your loved one’s medical team is the best resource to help with behaviors that adversely affect health and wellness. These medical professionals can speak with gentle authority without the obstacles of family dynamics. For example, they can help you determine whether your loved one is drinking too much or should avoid all alcohol, tobacco, and non-prescription drugs due to their health conditions or medications.
When you go to appointments with your senior, talk about specific concerns. Along with possible substance use treatment, your loved one may need a referral to a specialist, such as a:
- Mental health provider for anxiety or depression
- Doctor of Pharmacy for a thorough review of medications that could be causing harmful symptoms
- Sleep specialist to discuss insomnia
- Encourage Healthy Social Activities
Adjusting to age-related life changes such as retirement, losing loved ones, or living with chronic illnesses can cause even happy older adults to feel sad or hopeless. Talking with a counselor or therapist can help them find a healthier path forward. Support groups through their doctor’s office or a community center can help them feel less isolated with their emotional pain or substance use.
You can also bring more joy to their day through positive activities, such as meeting new friends, joining exercise groups, or giving back to the community as a volunteer. A professional caregiver can help support your loved one by providing personal care services such as help with bathing and grooming as well as companion care activities like doing puzzles together and enjoying engaging conversations.
- Create a Caring Home Environment
Establishing a supportive, substance-free home environment can assist recovery. Remove triggers and enticements while respecting their autonomy. Develop consistent daily routines that provide structure and purpose, incorporating regular mealtimes, physical activity, and restful sleep habits.
A professional caregiver can help maintain this supportive atmosphere by providing consistent companionship, prescribed medication reminders, and gently redirecting your loved one toward healthier activities when temptations arise.
Respite Care Can Help You Provide the Best Support
Make sure to take time for your own self-care. As a family caregiver, your needs matter—and caregiver burnout is real. This is especially true if you’re dealing with a strained relationship with your loved one because of substance use.
Respite care can be a lifeline for family members. A professional caregiver can take over for a few hours or on a regular basis to give you time to relax or take care of your other obligations.
Visiting Angels Is Here to Help
Caring for an older loved one with substance use disorder can be emotionally and physically challenging. It’s okay to get help at home. Professional home caregivers from Visiting Angels are ready to help your family through this difficult time, giving you much-needed support to help care for your aging loved one at home.
Contact a Visiting Angels home care office near you to discuss care options for your aging loved one.
