At Any Age, It Does Matter:
Substance Abuse and Older Adults (for Professionals)

Supplements

Case Studies on Treatment

  1. Mrs. S. is 74 years old and lives alone. Two months ago she fell and broke her wrist. She complains of heartburn and dizziness. She was diagnosed with alcoholism 10 years ago and has cirrhosis of the liver, gastroesophageal bleeding, and osteoarthritis.

    A homemaker assists Mrs. S. with personal care and cleaning and provides a meal. Mrs. S. often does not eat her meal. She wants to remain in her home and does not acknowledge having an alcohol problem.

    If Mrs. S continues to deny an alcohol problem, how might you deal with the denial? What interventions might be appropriate?

    Use the space below to enter your answers.



  2. Mr. W. is 67 years old and has been diagnosed with a late-onset alcohol problem. His wife died 5 years ago and his brother died 1 year ago. For the past year, he has had a local liquor store deliver a case of beer every week. He states that he does not drink very much and that "it’s only beer."

    What interventions might be appropriate for Mr. W.?

    Use the space below to enter your answers.



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