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Do Assisted Living Facilities Accept Individuals With a History of Alcoholism?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Ashlee Shefer is a freelance copywriter, content writer, and digital marketer who specializes in senior care, mental health, health care, and other wellness-related topics. She has one year of experience writing both short- and long-form content related to senior resources, assisted living, nursing homes, and home care, including blog posts, research-based articles, resource guides, product reviews, facility blurbs, finances, and care costs.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
How do assisted living facilities support individuals with a history of alcoholism?
Assisted living facilities conduct assessments to understand each resident’s medical history and current health or behavioral needs, including substance abuse issues. This helps communities determine if their services and living environment align with that person’s unique situation and if the resident’s condition meets the facility’s admission criteria.
Some communities offer on-site psychiatric care, including counseling, therapy or medication management, to help individuals recovering from addiction or related mental health conditions. If a community doesn’t offer in-house support, it may coordinate care with off-site addiction specialists or local support groups and provide transportation to appointments.
Can moving to assisted living benefit someone with alcohol abuse issues?
Assisted living isn’t a suitable option if someone struggles with severe alcohol abuse, is medically unstable or doesn’t need personal care assistance. However, certain aspects of assisted living can benefit individuals in recovery. For example, many communities offer exercise and wellness programs, which can reduce alcohol consumption. These facilities also orchestrate community events and activities to promote resident socialization and engagement.
The University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging reports that 34% of older adults feel socially isolated (2023). Being alone increases the risk of drug and alcohol use in seniors, emphasizing the importance of having access to social connections and a supportive environment. Additionally, some assisted living communities limit alcohol consumption by not serving it with meals or only allowing it in designated areas. This creates a controlled environment that reduces access to alcohol, which can help someone with a history of problematic drinking.