Table of Contents

About This Course

1. Introduction to Elder Abuse
2. The Basics of Elder Abuse
3. Substance Use and Other Risk Factors
4. Screening and Assessment
5. Intervention and Treatment
6. Preventing Elder Abuse

Supplements
Case Studies
References
Resources

Out of the Shadows
Uncovering Substance Use and Elder Abuse

Screening for Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol misuse and abuse can result in accidents, falls, and exacerbation of chronic medical problems. Signs of elder abuse and alcohol abuse can be similar. It is important to recognize signs of an alcohol problem and then conduct screening. Signs of an alcohol problem in older adults include: ref

• Daily use of alcohol
• Memory loss
• Continuation of drinking after warning to stop
• Physical signs of chronic alcohol use, such as glazed look, flushed skin, intoxication
• Anemia
• Liver chemistry abnormalities
• Frequent falls or fractures
• New seizure activity

The following alcohol screening tools may be used by professionals working with older adults:

• MAST-G: Alcohol Screening for Older Adults
• The CAGE Questionnaire

In addition to formal screening by providers, inhome helpers, Meals-on-Wheels volunteers, caretakers, and others can informally interject screening questions into their conversations with older adults. ref

Rather than asking how much or how many drinks an older adult has had, a family member or caregiver in the home can gauge the amount more accurately by observing or asking about the glass used to serve the drink. Family members and others also can informally assess whether an older person is taking prescription and over-the-counter drugs properly.