Identifying Barriers to Care for Older Adults with Substance Use Disorders and Cognitive Impairments

Abstract

Some substance use disorders in older adults may be better conceptualized as hazardous use that is sometimes unintentional and affected by other mental health conditions, including dementia. This study identified (1) the types of substances older adults are abusing, (2) how the disorders are linked to dementia and other mental health issues, and (3) barriers to screening and treatment. Focus groups with inpatient and outpatient treatment teams and a review of medical records were completed. Screenings for substance use disorders and other geriatric syndromes (e.g., depression, dementia) are not widely done and is an area in which improvements can be made.

KEYWORDS:

• Older adult
• cognitive impairment
• hazardous use
• co-occurring disorders
• screening

Notes

This project was made possible in part by funding from a bequest designated for research by the Ruth Jennings Family, which is administered by Piedmont Geriatric Hospital (Burkeville, Virginia). The Project Team would like to acknowledge the hospital's generous support in awarding us use of these funds to complete this study. The staff members in Health Information Management at this hospital were extremely helpful to the medical record review process. Members of the project's Advisory Council were also instrumental to the successful completion of this study. Advisory Council members represented community-based agencies, health systems, local government, state government, a psychiatric hospital, and academic institutions.