Alcohol & older people. Essential information for social workers.

Abstract

Four alcohol and substance misuse guides have been released in 2012 to support social workers who specialise in adults and childrens services but who do not specialise in substance use. 1. Alcohol and older people 2. Children, families and alcohol use 3. Mental health and substance use 4. Younger people and alcohol This guide seeks to support social workers in their practice with older people who drink alcohol. It will also be relevant for other social and health care professionals. The information in the guide should be supplemented by further reading and learning. Contents: 3 Introduction 4 Some do’s & don’ts 5 Older people’s drinking 6 Consequences 7 Alcohol & prescribed medication 8 Positive drinking 9 Identifying older people’s drinking 10 Interventions – key skills 11 Interventions – effective approaches 12 Safeguarding, mental capacity & best interests 13 Alcohol & residential settings 14 Carers & alcohol 15 Resources 16 Local contact informatio