Senior Living for Alcoholics

If you're ready for assisted living but overcoming alcohol addiction, you might wonder whether senior living is right for you. Assisted living facilities don't typically focus on support for people with alcohol addiction, but some facilities do offer targeted support like alcohol restrictions and group counseling. Exercise programs, medication management, and trained staff may also help you maintain a sober and balanced lifestyle as you pursue recovery.

A 2025 senior mental health survey by Caring revealed that these challenges affect nearly one in three older adults. According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 11.4% of people aged 65 or older reported binge drinking in the previous month, and 4.8% met the criteria for alcohol use disorder over the past year. Seniors living with substance misuse challenges may benefit from assisted living facilities with support for alcoholics, including group therapy sessions and alcohol restrictions.

Assisted living offers long-term residential settings for seniors who need help with activities like bathing, dressing, housekeeping, laundry, and shopping. ALFs offer services to help with activities of daily living but do not provide round-the-clock medical care. A nursing home may be a better choice if you need more extensive care. 

People with many types of health conditions, including high blood pressure and diabetes, choose assisted living communities rather than independent living facilities. People with substance use disorders can also opt for assisted living settings. 

However, assisted living for alcoholics, specifically, doesn't exist. While many communities offer recovery support, any addiction services provided by senior living staff, regardless of the facility type, will not be as intensive as those provided at a dedicated rehabilitation facility. 

Assisted living communities and other senior care communities are not appropriate as the first step to recovery, but they can be a great source of ongoing support for someone who has experienced addiction challenges. 

If you manage your addiction and no longer need acute recovery care, assisted living may offer an ideal option, as assisted living often has little to no access to illicit substances. If you or your loved one needs rehabilitation help, consult with your medical team to find the best recovery setting. 

Addiction in seniors isn't a widely discussed issue, causing most assisted living facilities to not openly advertise their senior addiction treatment programs. However, sober assisted living is possible in many assisted living communities. The following section covers some of the most notable benefits of assisted living for alcoholics.

• Supportive Environment: Assisted living facilities offer opportunities for positive interactions with other seniors and staff members. In some cases, assisted living communities will have trained staff, such as counselors, nurses, psychologists, and social workers, to handle addiction.
• Supervised Medications and Alcohol: In most assisted living facilities, all medications are stored in locked cabinets, accessible only to staff. Also, most assisted living facilities do not serve alcohol with meals, and if they do, seniors consume it under the supervision of staff in a controlled environment.
• Exercise and Wellness Programs: Studies have shown that physical activity can reduce addictive cravings and can help improve overall health. Assisted living facilities commonly include exercise and wellness programs to keep residents active and prioritize their health.
• Transportation: Some seniors with addiction challenges may need to visit off-site counselors and/or outpatient rehab facilities. Assisted living communities can provide transportation to and from medical appointments, making it easier for residents to get the help they need.

Assisted living communities differ, making it important to visit several different facilities and get a feel for their services. While they may offer similar amenities, you'll likely find that some offer a better fit for your loved one than others.

While visiting, ask staff members any questions you might have. Be on the lookout for things like:

The median cost of assisted living in the United States, based on Caring.com's research, is nearly $6,100/month. Many seniors cover this cost by pulling together multiple financial resources, revenue streams, and possibly government aid. These sources may include the following:

• Medicare: This federally funded program won't pay for room and board, but Medicare may cover rehab for drug and alcohol addiction as a qualified healthcare cost incurred in an assisted living facility.
• Medicaid: Seniors with limited financial resources may qualify for Medicaid, which provides help for assisted living for alcoholics and others for nearly one in five ALF residents. 
• Veterans Benefits: If you served in the military, there may be several benefits to help you, including your pension, the VA's alcohol and drug rehabilitation program, Aid & Attendance programs, and VA residential care options.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: A long-term care insurance policy may cover in-home care, medical equipment, respite care, and memory care. It may, however, exclude care for drug or alcohol treatment for seniors.
• Private Payment: Many seniors use some private funding to pay for assisted living, including social security, pensions, investment income, asset sales, and funding from family members.

Living with addiction challenges can be a difficult journey. But for older adults, senior addiction treatments can help, and assisted living for alcoholics and drug addicts may offer a viable living option. Some facilities offer AA meetings or other resources, and most will provide transportation to off-site treatment. Although assisted living facilities are not treatment centers, seniors successfully managing their addiction challenges may want to consider moving to assisted living.

If you're not sure when it's time for assisted living, you want tips on moving a parent to assisted living, or you need help choosing an assisted living facility with support for alcoholics, Caring can help. Call our Family Advisors at (800) 558-0653 for free advice and recommendations of assisted living facilities that can meet your loved one's needs. Or, explore our assisted living resource hub on your own to learn more about types of assisted living, ALF regulations by state, and paying for assisted living.

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