"Getting That Trust Built with Them Helps Make Them Successful": Supporting Older Adults with Substance Use Disorders

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Substance use disorder (SUD) affects millions of older Americans, yet they are underdiagnosed and undertreated.
• Older adults with SUDs encounter significant barriers to care, including limited resources, societal stigma, and ageism.
• A community-based program was developed to address these needs in a Midwestern region.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the implementation challenges of a care management program for older adults with SUDs.
• To identify barriers encountered during program implementation from the perspective of program staff.
• To gather staff recommendations for improving program effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• The study employed thematic analysis.
• Data were collected through 11 in-depth interviews with 13 program staff members.
• Analysis focused on understanding implementation challenges within the care management program.

Main Results:

• Staff reported significant challenges with program enrollment processes.
• Resistance from older adult members and workforce constraints were identified as key implementation hurdles.
• Specific issues included difficulties in engaging the target population and limitations in staff capacity and support.

Conclusions:

• Improving enrollment strategies is crucial for program success.
• Building trust with older adults by addressing their specific needs is essential for effective care.
• Strengthening workforce support and resources is vital for sustained program delivery and positive outcomes in geriatric SUD treatment.