We use the terms ‘alcohol and drug problems’ to mean the use of alcohol or drugs (substance use) that lead to significant problems or distress for the individual.
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A care home provides accommodation and round-the-clock personal care for people who are unable to live independently.
People who use drugs have the same right to be cared for in a care home as everyone else provided a local authority assessment demonstrates they meet the criteria for a care home.
If you move into a care home, the care home will support you to continue taking medication you are being prescribed, and this is likely to include methadone or buprenorphine.
If you are dependent on alcohol or drugs and would like to stop or greatly reduce your drinking or drug use, you should have easy and timely access to a specialist alcohol and drug service in the community or equivalent specialist support in the care home.
When people are being cared for in a care home, staff must treat them with dignity and respect at all times.
In our research, we are particularly concerned with people with alcohol and drug problems who are substance dependent (also known as ‘addicted’) because our previous research suggests that they are at increased risk of poor care in care homes.
The terms ‘substance abuse’ and ‘substance misuse’ are being phased out because they are stigmatising and don’t have a precise definition.
People experiencing alcohol and drug problems have varying care and support needs, many of which are the same as other people in care homes (e.g. engaging activities and help with personal care) but others relate specifically to substance use.
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Alcohol Change UK have published a conversation starter kit, to help care home residents express their wishes and concerns about alcohol and scenario cards to help care home staff plan to manage alcohol issues
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