Abstract

Alcohol misuse is becoming an increasingly significant issue for people aged 55 and over, and providing effective counselling services to this growing client group requires a unique and specialised approach. This practical guide explores the factors that differentiate older drinkers, and introduces an innovative person-centred model that will help counsellors and other healthcare professionals to give older people with alcohol problems the help and support they need.

Older people with alcohol problems often have complex personal histories, and are particularly vulnerable to long-term dependency, social isolation and self-medication. This book explores the influences, patterns and triggers that affect the development and progression of alcohol dependency in this age group, and provides a detailed description of a theoretical model and therapeutic process that has proved successful in practice. Informative case studies demonstrate the approach in action and guidance is also given for working with clients with dementia or mental health problems.

This book will prove an invaluable resource for counsellors and other healthcare professionals who encounter alcohol problems in their clinical practice, including clinical psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and community psychiatric nurses.

Counselling Older People with Alcohol Problems is a timely addition to the literature as there is growing awareness of alcohol problems among older people and those who are ageing. Indeed a recent report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2011) highlights growing numbers of older people seeking help for alcohol problems and the necessity to understand and address their specific needs. Against this backdrop, Counselling Older People with Alcohol Problems sets out to provide a practice-based discussion and guide for those providing counselling to older people in this situation. The authors clearly possess considerable experience in this area which adds a depth and richness to the book, while the writing is straightforward and has a strong practical feel, making the book accessible to a wide range of audiences. Interesting case studies are used to illustrate key points throughout the book.
Ageing and Society
This is the only book which addresses both the philosophy and practice of counselling older people with alcohol problems. It is based upon the authors' extensive experience of working with older people, and draws upon extensive case studies drawn from the experience of working in a specialist service for older people who have developed alcohol problems. The book is therefore based on a real understanding of the needs of this particular client group, how their alcohol problems have developed, and how they might be addressed. In overcoming alcohol dependency, older people invariably regain the ability to live more fulfilling and creative lives, and, as this book assists counsellors to take them on that journey, it is an invaluable tool for the caring profession, alcohol agencies and other helping bodies.
Baroness Dianne Hayter of Kentish Town, Former Director of Alcohol Concern
Widely regarded as a 'hidden issue' this book is a welcome addition to the scant literature on counselling older people with alcohol problems. Written by two practitioners, Counselling Older People with Alcohol Problems offers a largely person-centred and practical approach to counselling with older people... the authors have written a practical book that is likely to be very helpful to counsellors and other practitioners who are new to the topic of alcohol and older people... very readable and practical guide to helping older people to change their drinking behaviour later in life.
British Society of Gerontology
It would be an excellent text for students of counselling with an interest in alcohol problems, or for a counsellor looking to branch into the alcohol field. The book does provide useful practical examples for anyone working with people with alcohol problems more generally who within their practice might encounter older people.
Ageing and Society
The authors clearly possess considerable experience in this area which adds a depth and richness to the book, while the writing style is straightforward and has a strong practical feel, making the book accessible to a wide range of audiences. Interesting case studies are used to illustrate key points throughout the book... It would be an excellent text for students of counselling with an interest in alcohol problems, or for a counsellor looking to brand into the alcohol field. The book does provide useful practical examples for anyone working with people with alcohol problems more generally who within their practice might encounter older people.
Journal of Ageing & Society
The book successfully communicates with the reader the plight of those who have alcohol problem, and addresses potential interventions to help assess and assist those in the community who have alcohol problem. Hence, this book is one to buy for those working with older clients with alcohol problem, and a must read for those who want to learn more about working with clients with alcohol problems and the challenges that they face. It is a useful resource to refer to when working with older adults with alcohol problems.
British Journal of Occupational Therapy
The senior author is a counselor and manager in a well-respected alcohol recovery agency in London. As such, he is able to flavor the book with a number of interesting and lively case studies... I think the book would make useful introductory reading for a counselor preparing to work in alcohol services or seeing occasional clients who may fit the description in the title.
BACP Health Care Professionals Journal
Working with older people with alcohol problems is based on the real life practice experiences of the authors. Their insights provide an honest reflection on the problems faced by both practitioner and client. The practical nature of the text and easy to read style is well suited to any persons with an interest in older persons and alcohol issues.
CounsellingConnection.com
Mike Fox currently works as a counsellor and clinical supervisor at University College London Hospital. He previously managed a specialist service for older people with alcohol problem in North London, and was Lead Clinician for Dementia at another counselling service in the same area. Lesley Wilson is currently a lecturer in occupational therapy. Prior to this she was a  practising occupational therapist and has many years' experience of working with older people, both in the NHS and in the community
The book is stimulating and person centred and the presentation of chapters relating to mental health diagnoses is helpful. Practitioners working in alcohol services and staff working with older people should find this publication useful, particularly those client groups who are not well serviced by current provision.
Nursing Older People
Mike Fox and Lesley Wilson have created an invaluable practical guide, highlighting specific issues for working with older people with alcohol problems. The art of counselling takes many forms: this thoughtful and readable book will inspire and inform people involved in this field, from the briefest encounters to the deepest transformative processes. The detailed case stories throughout the book offer a rare and rich insight into the effectiveness of counselling and the beneficial impact for all involved. Practitioners will recognise and reflect on the accurate portrayals of the context for their work, and people new to the field will gain access to a wealth of information and ideas for practice.
Wendy Bryant, Deputy Director of Centre for Citizen Participation