Alcohol misuse in older people: the role of home carers

Research on problems associated with alcohol use in older people is scant and contradictory. The "greying" of the population and the current emphasis on care in the community, mean that it is increasingly important to understand patterns of alcohol use which may incur risk in elderly people, and to develop appropriate prevention and early intervention approaches. This paper begins with a brief overview of the literature on alcohol misuse in older people, and discusses some of the problems of identifying and responding to problem drinking in the elderly. The paper then examines the potential role of one group of workers, home carers who, for many elderly people, are a crucial link to the world beyond their homes. It is suggested that home carers are well placed to respond to risky drinking among elderly people but that they experience both structural and personal barriers to adopting a more active role. The provision of appropriate information and training may go some way towards encouraging carers to remain alert to alcohol related problems in elderly clients but supportive, accessible services are also required.