Substance Use in Older Age Groups: a Questionnaire Survey in Residential Social Care Centres with a Special Regime for Persons with Substance use Disorders or at Risk of Substance Use Disorders
Abstract
Background: Substance use also occurs among the elderly, for whom the problem substance use poses an increased risk of health and social harms. This target group is rather at the periphery of attention in the current Czech system of addiction care.
Nevertheless, residential centres for elderly with substance use disorders exist in Czechia and these are comparable to nursing homes for ageing drug users known from abroad. Aims: The study aims to map the characteristics of residential social care centres with a special regime for the persons with substance use disorders in Czechia.
Methods: An online cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted in May and June 2017; according to the Registry of Social Service Providers a total of 16 residential centres with a special regime for the target group were addressed. Results: Out of 16 centres addressed, 14 facilities responded, of which six provided care to the target group.
The clients were mainly alcohol users, often with comorbid psychiatric problems. Abstinence as a condition was reported by three facilities; on the other hand, two facilities set rules allowing alcohol consumption outside the facility and one facility stated possibility of an alcohol supply controlled by staff.
Conclusions: Basic social care for elderly with substance use disorders is the main task within an multidisciplinary approach. The predominant requirement of abstinence represents a difference from similar facilities in some countries, which may allow substance use inside the facility, as well as the administration or control of alcohol consumption.