This teaching video illustrating an initial screening for alcohol and other drug use with an older adult woman is divided into three sections: Interview (approximately 9 minutes), CAGE questions (approximately 1 minute), and Michigan Alcoholism Screening Tests – Geriatric Version/long form (approximately 7 minutes). The video explores client symptoms and behaviors of unintentional medication misuse and low consumption of alcohol. Comparison of the CAGE and MAST-G responses illustrates the need for age-appropriate tools in screening and assessment. Teaching points, evaluation tools, discussion questions, and resources are offered. A script of the video is provided.
Advanced Competencies Addressed in This Module:
- Ability to engage, maintain rapport, and sustain effective working relationships with a wide range of older adults including those with behavior problems, mental illness, or dementia.
- Understanding of how to conduct a geriatric assessment of psychosocial factors.
- Conducting assessment and intervention strategies for substance/drug/alcohol abuse later in life.
- Application of concepts, theories, and research of biological, psychological, and social aging to social work assessment and intervention.
- Understanding of the effects and interactions of multiple chronic conditions, medication, nutrition, and sudden or ongoing causes of changes in cognitive states and functional capacity.
- Ability to relate social work perspectives and theories to practice with older adults (e.g., person-in-environment).