Methadone maintenance: its future in skilled nursing facilities.

The number of geriatric residents in skilled nursing facilities (SNF) receiving methadone maintenance is likely to increase as the drug abusing population ages. Currently, facilities specializing in the care of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diseases are predominantly affected, but over the next decade this will change. Residents on methadone have unique needs based on their drug history and current treatment demands and will present new challenges for the affected institutions. There are no current publications or data in the literature exploring the use of methadone for the aging nursing home patient. Further investigation is necessary so that these residents are appropriately cared for.