Posted on December 2nd, 2019
Armando Trull Media Relations
Manager 202-709-2474
armando.trull@ncoa.org
70% of local organizations ramp up response to opioid-related
issues among older adults
Arlington, VA (December 2, 2019) – A new survey by the National
Council on Aging (NCOA) reveals an untold story about the nation’s opioid
epidemic—how the crisis is eroding the quality of life of older adults and the
ability of local organizations to serve them.
“Older Americans are being harmed by the opioid crisis on all
sides,” said Anna Maria Chávez, NCOA Executive Vice
President and Chief Growth Officer. “Some older adults are struggling with the
personal tragedy of opioid addiction, while others are having to financially
support their opioid-addicted children and even become caregivers for their
grandchildren. This is hurting their health, draining their life savings, and
destroying their financial security,” Chávez added.
NCOA surveyed more than 200 community-based organizations in the
aging network from 40 states and Puerto Rico. Among respondents, 70% reported
an increased effort spent addressing issues related to the opioid epidemic
affecting their older adult clients or their caregivers compared to two years
ago. Despite this increase, only 28% of respondents said they routinely screen
for substance misuse and abuse among the older adults they serve.
“More than 80% of the organizations responding to our survey
reported that their older clients have little knowledge of safe and affordable
alternatives to opioids, nor the best way to store and dispose of them. Now is
the time to invest resources in educating older adults and the professionals
who serve them on these critical issues,” said Chávez.
Community-based organizations serving older adults reported a
spike in issues related to opioids among their older clients.
·
70% said that compared to two years
ago, they are spending more effort addressing opioid-related issues affecting
their older clients and their caregivers.
·
20% said they have had to increase
their opioid-related efforts by at least 25% and some reported increasing their
efforts by over 50%.
The opioid epidemic is affecting older adults both physically
and financially, according to survey respondents.
·
84% said their older clients have
become more reliant on federal benefits.
·
81% said older adults do not
understand safe, effective, and affordable alternatives to reducing pain
without prescription opioid medications.
·
80% reported older adults facing
challenges obtaining needed prescriptions or refills for opioid pain medication
because of increased scrutiny and/or changing prescribing patterns.
·
80% said their older clients reported
theft of pain medication by family members or others who use if for themselves
to sell.
“The aging network, social services, and health care
providers—as well as behavioral health care systems—all need to join forces now
to advocate for a coordinated approach to solve the range of opioid issues
affecting older adults and their families,” Chávez said. “This survey is the
first step in identifying the issue—and a path forward.” In response to the findings, NCOA proposes
several recommendations, including:
·
Improving the health literacy of
older adults and their caregivers regarding appropriate opioid use.
·
Offering older adults alternative
approaches to opioid medication to manage chronic pain.
·
Incorporating the older adult
perspective in opioid efforts at the national, state, and local levels.
·
Raising awareness of the risk factors
for financial fraud and abuse.
·
Educating older adults about public
benefits and legal options.
·
Mobilizing multiple service
providers.
In the coming weeks, NCOA will host a webinar for stakeholders
across the aging network to learn more about the report and recommendations.
The webinar will feature the National Association of County and City Health
Officials as a co-presenter to explain how local health departments approach
opioid use prevention and response, and how local aging services providers can
work with them in their community.
About NCOA
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a trusted national
leader working to ensure that every person can age well. Since 1950, our
mission has not changed: Improve the lives of millions of older adults,
especially those who are struggling. NCOA empowers people with the best
solutions to improve their own health and economic security—and we strengthen
government programs that we all depend on as we age. Every year, millions of
people use our signature programs BenefitsCheckUp®, My Medicare Matters®, and the
Aging Mastery Program® to age well. By offering online tools and collaborating
with a nationwide network of partners, NCOA is working to improve the lives of
40 million older adults by 2030. Learn more at ncoa.org and @NCOAging.
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