What are the benefits of staying in an Assisted Living community for de-addiction?

According to a report published in the Journal of Geriatric Mental Health in India, the prevalence of alcohol use disorders is generally higher in the urban population as compared to the rural elderly population in India. Most common forms of addiction for people above the age of 60 are alcoholism and prescription drugs in some cases. Many might have had problems of substance abuse during their lives and by the time they realise later in their lives, it would have become an addiction. One of the options for elderly people struggling with addiction is Assisted Living care that comes with a host of amenities and services that help them recoup from their dreaded habits and regain their mental and physical health.

Shy to accept and the fear of stigma:

When people reach an age where they are unable to live or do day-to-day things on their own, the option of Assisted Living is there. However, when addiction comes into play, there are specific challenges that need to be addressed and dealt with. Addiction among people above 65 is underestimated and therefore goes undiagnosed in most cases. Also that many people at this age abstain from coming forward either due to fear of being stigmatised or simply due to resistance from accepting that they are addicted and need therapy. 

What are the reasons for addiction in old age?

Unable to come to terms with life after retirement, unable to bear the loss of someone dear and close, financial burden and insecurity as well as loneliness or decline in health conditions are contributing factors for developing addiction to alcohol and other illicit substances at an advanced stage in life. This also leads to many health problems and life transforming events. In certain cases dependancy on medications that are prescribed transition into an addition.

What are the benefits of staying in an Assisted Living community for seniors who need de-addiction?

Many a times in order to overcome a trauma, the aged person may get dependant on a substance to cope with his/her feelings. In an Assisted Living facility, you are not alone as there is a community feel that brings a sense of belonging. Socialising and spending time with other residents has a healing effect on the mind and takes away boredom. 

Whatever the residents consume is monitored by the staff, who help them with the right dosage as prescribed for medicines as well as a strict vigil on what the elders are habitual to, thereby ensuring that the senior members do not get accustomed to anything as a compulsive habit that later becomes a disorder.

Assisted Living communities also associate with trained staff to address issues of substance abuse and addiction. Counsellors, Psychologists and social workers are brought in as required to ensure a professional caregiving experience.

Almost all Assisted Living facilities have a routine exercise and wellness program combined with yoga and meditation for spiritual upliftment that takes diverts their mind from substance addiction and craving resulting in improved overall health and well-being

Copyright © 2020, Priaashraya Healthcare Pvt Ltd, All rights reserved.