Help For San Gabriel Valley Seniors Addicted To Gambling
Do you suspect that a senior you know is addicted to gambling? You might be surprised to learn that many seniors suffer from this problem – it is certainly not exclusive to those of younger generations. Some of the signs to look for may include gambling without any thought of the consequences, stealing or committing fraud in order to be able to gamble, mood swings, and hiding the act of gambling. If an elderly person you care about has begun to manifest these or other signs of addiction, you may need to get him or her some help.
The first step might be to find some gambling addiction assistance resources in the San Gabriel Valley. Even if you aren’t always available to take a beloved senior to group meetings or counseling sessions, simply identifying some of the resources available could be greatly helpful. Don’t forget that you may also benefit from the services of a caregiver (but be sure that the person is employed by a licensed home care company in the San Gabriel Valley). A professional caregiver might aid in getting the elderly person to meetings and sessions, so you can attend to responsibilities such as your job and caring for other family members who may also need your attention.
Rose City Center
Seniors don’t always have a lot of available income, so finding a low-cost resource may be necessary. Rose City Center in Pasadena offers a broad range of counseling services, and this includes help with gambling addiction. The therapy provided does not come with time limitations, so the senior you know will not be pressured by specific time constraints. By developing a trusted relationship with a psychotherapist, an elderly person with a gambling problem can learn how to manage the desire to gamble. This affordable option may be exactly what your loved one needs to move past the symptoms of gambling addiction and on to a healthier way of living.
Tsoline Konialian Matossian, Psychologist, PsyD
Ms. Matossian provides clients with counseling in a variety of areas, including addiction to gambling. She is a member of the American Psychological Association, and her office is located in Rosemead. She also offers fees on a sliding scale based on income, which may be useful if the senior you know has limited funds. You might contact her for information on dealing with behavioral problems if your elder lives in or near Rosemead.
Gamblers Anonymous
Always remember that Gamblers Anonymous is an excellent resource for individuals who suffer with gambling addiction. The meetings do not require members or guests to pay dues or fees, making it the best choice for many people who have an addiction but who do not have much expendable income. People who are in every age range attend the meetings, and your senior may share or hear addiction stories in the company of an assortment of others at any given meeting. If the senior you know with a gambling issue lives in the Montebello area, and he or she primarily speaks Spanish, you might suggest a Gamblers Anonymous meeting in Montebello specifically for those who speak Spanish.
Partners in Recovery
Another option for your elder may be Partners in Recovery. Judy McGehee is experienced in interventions, which may be required if the senior you know is in denial about a gambling problem (or if the person is simply unwilling to get help). Ms. McGehee also has experience in addiction assessments and treatment, and she may offer a referral if necessary. Sliding scale fees based on income are available at this San Dimas facility.
Social Model Recovery Systems
This is another resource for addicted gamblers in the San Gabriel Valley. This treatment center is in Covina, and clients may choose from partial day treatment, outpatient services, and continuing care if needed. If your elder’s gambling addiction co-occurs along with another issue, this might be an ideal place to visit.
Dealing with any type of addiction can be a scary prospect. Make sure that the senior in your life knows that he or she is not alone, and that you are willing to assist in finding the treatment necessary to fight gambling addiction. You may need to try a few different resources in the San Gabriel Valley until you find the right fit for your beloved senior, but the ultimate results should be well worth your efforts.
Disclaimer: The resources mentioned here are provided as a courtesy to you. They are intended to provide examples to assist in your understanding and learning about the types of resources that may be available. We do not recommend or endorse these or any other third party resources, and you should carefully investigate and review any providers of good or services before doing business with them, and then make your own choices.
Photo by ooomz
