Sober Living for Seniors in San Diego
What Is Sober Senior Living?
Many people transition to an assisted living facility as they age. Assisted living can help with daily living activities such as showering, dressing, and medication. Seniors in a sober living home may have unique needs and preferences, given their age and potential history of substance abuse. Sober senior living helps meet these needs.
The specific amenities and services required can vary, but here are some common ones that can be beneficial for seniors in a sober living environment:
- Safe and Comfortable Accommodations: Seniors often require comfortable and accessible living spaces. This includes well-maintained bedrooms and common areas that are conducive to relaxation.
- Nutritious Meals: Access to healthy, balanced meals is essential for people as they age, as nutrition plays a significant role in overall well-being. Dietary restrictions and special diets may need to be accommodated. Many clients have food sensitivities or dietary needs such as diabetes.
- Medication Management: Many people entering senior living may have been prescribed medications for various health conditions. An old sober living home offers medication management to ensure meds are taken as prescribed. (This is also important for people with memory lapses; they may accidentally take more than prescribed.)
- Regular Health Checkups: Seniors often require frequent doctor visits for chronic illnesses and access to medical care. Services to transport them to medical facilities or on-site healthcare providers can be valuable.
- Mental Health Support: Many people in recovery have specific mental health needs, including therapy and support for co-occurring disorders like depression and anxiety.
- Recreational Activities: Engaging in fun activities helps older people stay active and maintain a sense of purpose. Group outings, hobbies, classes, or exercise programs can help people relax and bond with each other.
- Transportation Services: Access to transportation, either in-house or through partnerships with local services, is crucial for seniors in sober living to attend medical appointments, outside 12-step meetings, and other necessary services.
Social Supports for Sober Senior Living Communities
Seniors in recovery can benefit from a supportive community. Encouraging interaction and socialization among residents can help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. For many seniors in recovery, life seems unfamiliar and overwhelming. Staff in sober senior living homes help people adapt to the community and help them find the support they need to thrive.
Involving family members or close friends in recovery can help family members strengthen their relationships with their loved ones. Family therapy or support groups can help build a robust support system and help support a person's transition to a sober senior living home.
Professional Staff Support 24/7
Having staff available around the clock is essential, especially for seniors needing assistance in an emergency. Many older people live with chronic illness and have serious health episodes; minutes matter. All senior care facilities should have somebody trained in CPR and a plan for addressing relapse or other crises, including clear protocols and trained staff. For seniors with cognitive impairments or memory issues, specialized care and support may be necessary.
It's essential to assess seniors' specific needs and preferences in a sober living home; not all individuals will require the same level of care or services. Customized care plans and flexible support structures can better cater to clients' diverse needs in sober senior living facilities.
While healthcare needs are often prioritized, maintaining mental health is essential for sober senior living. Many aging people live with chronic illness, disability, or chronic pain. Sometimes, learning to accept help is difficult. This is where a therapist or social worker can help people decide what they want from life and how to achieve those desires while sober.
Learn More About Sober Senior Living
Learn more about what we offer seniors in recovery, our amenities, and payment options by giving us a call. We can help you figure out the needs of your loved ones and plan to help them live the highest quality of life possible.
