Center for older adult Recovery

Hanley Center created the Center for Older Adult Recovery. The Center for Older Adult Recovery is the first 12-Step based drug and alcohol rehabilitation center designed specifically for adults 55 and over. Our residential treatment center provides a safe and supportive environment that encourages older adults to begin the recovery journey with peers of their own age.

Growing older can be a rich and wondrous time for many adults. Watching children and grandchildren grow, reaping the rewards of a lifetime of saving and exploring the world around them are realizations of a life well lived. For other older adults, these are years filled with anxiety, uncertainty, loss and profound loneliness. As a result, alcoholism and prescription drug abuse have reached epidemic proportion among this population.

Sadly, members of a generation that were raised to regard substance abuse as shameful and reckless now struggle in silence, often without family or friends to witness the warning signs of addiction. When seen, the signs are often mistaken as simply part of the aging process.

BILL'S STORY

"I was 63 and my life was pretty well over. There were few friends left, if any, and I was sure I would never see 65. I didn't really care if I woke up dead tomorrow.

I landed in Hanley after deciding I didn't want to be found dead from drinking after all. I mean, what would people think! This was not a rational decision and no research was done."

Read Bill's Story

The Center for Older Adult Recovery: Comfortable Treatment Among Peers

We believe that effectively treating older adults requires an intimate understanding of what makes their struggle unique. Issues specific to older adults that are addressed in treatment include:

• Loneliness and isolation
• Lack of purpose/loss of identity
• Medical concerns
• Life transitions and depression
• Pain management
• Grief and loss

As the pioneer in age-specific treatment, our staff is specially trained to meet the unique needs of older adults. Other considerations and needs we take into account include:

• Need for extended detoxification and medical stabilization process
• Need for slower transitions between levels of care
• Complications due to cognitive function level
• Speech or hearing impairment
• Need for longer rest and relaxation periods

The Journey Begins...

you will first go through a period of medically-managed detoxification. Older adults are treated by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals which include addiction therapists, skilled medical personnel, psychiatry, psychology, and spiritual care. These staff members are all specifically trained to work with older adult patients.

You will also participate in our Family Program to help educate and successfully address the complicated family issues related to your addiction. Your family members will gain insight about the disease of addiction and develop the skills required to support you in your recovery.

When you leave Hanley Center, you won’t be alone. Our continuing care services include alumni aftercare for two years, weekly 12-Step meetings, outpatient therapy, and any other services you might need to help you follow the individualized care plan created for you prior to discharge.