working with older vermonters
This resource page was created to assist Vermont prevention professionals in expanding their knowledge of older Vermonters and substance misuse prevention. It is not intended to provide resources for seniors and their families or to assist with accessing services.
Resources for Substance Misuse Trends and Prevention Strategies for Older Adults
The resources included in this document provide information for practitioners in substance misuse prevention and related fields, families, and caregivers to assist them in providing effective substance misuse prevention and support specific to older adults.
Get Connected- Linking Older Adults with Resources on Medication, Alcohol, and Mental Health
The Get Connected Toolkit was created to help health, social, and aging services providers learn more about alcohol and medication misuse and mental health conditions in older adults so they can address these issues more effectively. It has been designed to help health and aging services providers undertake health promotion, advance prevention messages and education, and undertake screening and referral for mental health conditions and the misuse of alcohol and medications. The Get Connected Toolkit helps coordinate these efforts and link your organization and the older adults you serve to other valuable community-based and national resources.
Age-friendly care for older adults with substance use disorder
Age-friendly Care for Older Adults with Substance Use Disorder recognizes the unique physical, cognitive, and social needs that come with aging. This approach provides compassionate, coordinated, and non-stigmatizing support that prioritizes safety, dignity, and independence while addressing substance use, chronic health conditions, mental health, and social connection. Age-friendly care emphasizes person-centered treatment, trauma-informed practices, and collaboration across healthcare, social services, and community supports to promote healthier aging and recovery.
Administration for community living: opioids and older adults
An informative resource that outlines how opioid use and misuse affect older adults. It highlights the unique risks opioids pose to aging populations, provides key facts and statistics, and offers practical guidance on safe use, alternatives for pain management, and where to find support and resources. The fact sheet is designed to help older adults, caregivers, and professionals better understand opioid safety and make informed decisions.
Green peak alliance's outreach campaign toolkit
Media campaign for older Vermonters, including traditional and social media collateral on the topics of Alcohol, Cannabis and RX from Green Peak Alliance.
UVM Center on Aging
The mission of the Center on Aging is to forge an ongoing collaboration among faculty, students, staff, and programs within the University of Vermont, the University of Vermont Medical Center, and the Vermont community to promote a sense of well-being and a high quality of life for older Vermonters.
To learn more about organizations in your area that work with older adults, please access already existing lists and websites. A Roadmap for an Age-friendly State is a new 10-year visionary plan with strategies for making Vermont a great place for all ages and stages of life.
Age Strong VT
Area Agencies on Aging
AAAs provide information and support to Vermonters age 60+ and their families.
Vermont Senior Centers
Vermont’s senior centers are on the front lines of supporting socialization and engagement and preventing isolation. They are essential in the state’s effort to support healthy aging and prevent or delay institutionalization. They serve over 15,500 older Vermonters annually by providing them with nutritious meals, wellness activities, and social opportunities at little or no cost to participants. Find your nearest Senior Center! Call the Helpline at 1-800-642-5119 or click on the pin on the map to find the center’s name, address, and phone number closest to you
Incorporating older Vermonters in current strategies may include the following examples:
Social Media
Media campaign for older Vermonters, including traditional and social media collateral on the topics of Alcohol, Cannabis and RX from Green Peak Alliance. If your social media audience does not include those aged 60+, sharing with community organizations with an appropriate audience is encouraged.
Drug Safety
Lock bags from the Vermont Department of Health: These lockable bags measure 11″ x 6″ and can be used to store medications or other harmful substances. Secure storage of medications and substances is particularly important for anyone with young children or pets in the home. Use these bags, in addition to other storage practices like placing harmful substances on high shelves, behind closed doors, or in locked medicine cabinets.
Prescription medication safety: Healthy Lamoille Valley created a prescription medication safety “rack card” that can be customized to your community. It can be distributed at community events, put meals on wheels bags, or shared with senior centers to distribute.