Little is known about how programs and services for the elderly identify, perceive,
and deal with problem drinking participants. A survey was undertaken of 50
nutrition, day care, and multiservice programs for the elderly in one area of West
Central Florida. It was learned that there was an inability to identify older problem
drinkers and even when identified, seldom were the necessary referrals made to
alcoholism agencies in the area. Implications are discussed related to agency policies
toward problem drinkers, staff training, and formal linkages between programs for
the elderly and alcoholism agencies.
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