Date of Paper

5-2013

Type of Paper

Clinical research paper

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (M.S.W.)

Department

Social Work

First Advisor

Felicia Sy

Department/School

Social Work

Abstract

In the year 2011, the first wave of the baby boom generation reached age 65, the age of retirement. Over the next 18 years the U. S. Administration on Aging (2010) reports that these boomers will turn 65 years old at the rate of approximately 8,000 per day. Substance abuse among this cohort has been called an invisible and silent epidemic. Many social service agencies will have to deal with the negative and complicating factors which substance abuse causes. Alcohol and substance misuse among the elderly is associated with many negative consequences, including functional impairment, increase risk of dementia, raised mortality and higher utilization of healthcare services. In addition, it is estimated that 4.4 million adults age 50 and older will be substance dependent and in need of treatment by the year 2020. The focus of this clinical research project was to evaluate the Senior Recovery Program and how effective the program is at meeting its goals through the eyes of its participants. The researcher measured former clients overall satisfaction with the Senior Recovery Program by assessing their perceptions of sobriety maintenance, age appropriate program design, relationship with family, social skills and support and overall program satisfaction. Findings of this program evaluation indicated the Senior Recovery Program is effective in delivering quality chemical health recovery services to older adults through the focus of five areas of service. This program evaluation will add to the research collection and improve understanding and needs of older adults who require substance abuse treatment.

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