Undiagnosed alcoholism & prescription drug misuse among the elderly. Special considerations for home assessment.

Elderly patients are living longer than ever. Often, health care providers perceive this longevity as a measure of professional success. These patients don't always share this cheerful perspective. Living to a "ripe old age" can impose tremendous stress. An alarming number of these patients turn to alcohol and prescription drugs to escape the physical, emotional, spiritual, social and financial losses associated with aging.