Working in the nursing home setting, we are increasingly encountering older adults with alcohol use, which raises significant concerns. Identifying and addressing alcohol abuse in this demographic is crucial for ensuring their safety, well-being, and overall quality of life. As healthcare professionals in the nursing home setting, it is essential to be vigilant in recognizing the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse among residents.

“In the United States, over 140,000 people lose their lives due to alcohol misuse, making it one of the leading causes of preventable deaths. Alcohol misuse has been linked to more than 200 diseases and injury-related conditions, causing harm to people’s health in ways they may not realize. It contributes to illnesses such as cardiomyopathy, liver cirrhosis, heart disease, and certain types of cancer, which may require nursing facility admission. Drinking too much alcohol can damage the entire body.” The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF)  April 2024 newsletter

Please see tool that shows the effect alcohol has on your body provided at https://engage.allianthealth.org/EffectsofAlcoholontheBody

The Newsletter goes on to provide the following information:

“Benefits of Implementing an Alcohol Screening Protocol Alcohol consumption can significantly impact the health outcomes of nursing facility residents. Screening for alcohol use at intake and routinely is crucial for identifying potential risks, avoiding withdrawal symptoms, and improving health outcomes.  Alcohol screening can help distinguish between residents with low-risk alcohol use and those with risky or harmful use. There are many benefits of alcohol screening in nursing facilities, a few of which are summarized below. Early identification of AUDs: Alcohol screening at intake allows nursing facilities to identify residents with AUDs early on. This early identification can lead to timely interventions and treatment services to address the issue effectively.Individualized Care Plans: By screening for alcohol use at intake, nursing facilities can develop individualized care plans that consider the resident’s level of alcohol consumption prior to admission and allow an informed decision for treatment recommendations.Improved Safety: Alcohol use can increase the risk of falls, complicate other health conditions, and interact with medications. Identifying and mitigating these risks early on ensures the safety of all residents.”

“Alcohol Use Screening Tool Nursing facilities that prioritize alcohol screening by making it a part of the routine intake process can enhance the quality of care for residents. There are several screening tools available. The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) is an effective and reliable screening tool used to detect risky and harmful drinking patterns. The AUDIT is a 10-item screening tool that has been validated across genders and in a wide range of racial/ethnic groups. In honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, contact the COE-NF to schedule a training for your facility on how to administer the AUDIT and other alcohol screenings. Contact us today to schedule your event.”

By staying informed, utilizing appropriate screening tools, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, we can better support and care for older adults facing alcohol-related challenges. Together, we can work towards creating a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the health and happiness of all residents in our care.

The information presented is informative and does not constitute direct legal or regulatory advice

September 2024\Skilled Nursing Support\maria.messina@skillednursingsupport.com

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