Older people are entering nursing homes later and sicker than ever before, thus presenting as more physically fragile and complex residents and requiring more advanced care and treatment. To this end, Hyer and Intrieri have gathered together a group of health care professionals who are genuinely dedicated to the care and research of long-term care (LTC) environments. This group seeks to push the envelope for improved use of professional time, effort, and input and in this remarkable book, share their ideas with you. By applying the Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC) model to various care settings, the editors are able to examine current LTC practices and existing psychosocial issues confronting older LTC patients; either support or challenge them; and offer suggestions and strategies, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, for improving the LTC system and residents' physical, psychological, emotional, and social health. This book provides insight on the psychological issues facing long-term care residents for a plethora of health care professionals, including: Physicians and geriatricians who care for older adults in the LTC system Nurses and geriatric nurse specialists Social workers Activity coordinators Physical, occupational, and speech therapists within an LTC setting who are seeking ways to explain behavior and empower the residents they care for Psychologists and psychiatrists whose practice focuses on older adults

It is with great pride that the Psychologists in Long Term Care (PLTC) have sponsored The Professional Educational Long-Term Care Training Manual, and now its second iteration, Geropsychology and Long Term Care: A Practitioner’s Guide. Education of psychologists working in long-term care settings is consistent with PLTC’s mission to assure the provision of high-quality psychological services for a neglected sector of the population, i.e., residents in nursing homes and assisted-living communities. To this end, direct training of generalist psychologists in the nuances of psychological care delivery in long-term care settings has been a major priority. It is a tribute to the accelerating nature of research in long-term care settings that a revision is now necessary. After all, the Professional Educational Training Manual’s initial publication date was only in 2001. However, in the intervening years, much progress has been made in addressing assessment and intervention strategies tailored to the needs of this frail but quite diverse population. It is so gratifying to be able to say that there is now a corpus of scientific knowledge to guide long-term care service delivery in long-term care settings.

Geropsychology - the field of psychology concerned with the psychological, behavioural, biological, and social aspects of aging - has developed rapidly in the past decade. This clinical casebook describes current best practice in managing complex cases involving common mental health issues in later life, by leading authorities in the field.

"The Oxford Handbook of Geropsychology provides students and experienced clinicians and clinical researchers alike with a comprehensive and contemporary overview of developments in the field of geropsychology. Informed by an international perspective, the introductory section covers demographics, meta-analyses in geropsychology, social capital and gender, cognitive development, and ageing. Sections on assessment and formulation include chapters on interviewing older people, psychological assessment strategies, capacity and suicidal ideation, and understanding long term care environments. Psychological distress and their causes are reviewed with chapters focusing upon late-life depression and anxiety, psychosis, and personality disorders. In this section, neuropsychiatric approaches to working with older people and risk factors relating to cognitive health are reviewed. Intervention strategies covered include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and family therapy. Interprofessional teamwork and aspects of work with persons with dementia (PwD), caregivers, and care staff, are also covered. Chapters on interventions address specific populations such as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender older persons, people with physical and psychological comorbidities, and those experiencing grief and bereavement. Finally, this Handbook explores new horizons, including positive ageing, exercise and health promotion, and the use of new media such as online and virtual reality interactive technologies in clinical research and practice with older adults." -- From the Amazon

Working with an older adults can present a unique array of ethical issues, such as balancing respect for client autonomy with beneficence. This book presents a decision-making framework and clinical vignettes to help clinicians navigate such complex quandaries.

At least 5.6 million to 8 million-nearly one in five-older adults in America have one or more mental health and substance use conditions, which present unique challenges for their care. With the number of adults age 65 and older projected to soar from 40.3 million in 2010 to 72.1 million by 2030, the aging of America holds profound consequences for the nation. For decades, policymakers have been warned that the nation's health care workforce is ill-equipped to care for a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse population. In the specific disciplines of mental health and substance use, there have been similar warnings about serious workforce shortages, insufficient workforce diversity, and lack of basic competence and core knowledge in key areas. Following its 2008 report highlighting the urgency of expanding and strengthening the geriatric health care workforce, the IOM was asked by the Department of Health and Human Services to undertake a complementary study on the geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. The Mental Health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands? assesses the needs of this population and the workforce that serves it. The breadth and magnitude of inadequate workforce training and personnel shortages have grown to such proportions, says the committee, that no single approach, nor a few isolated changes in disparate federal agencies or programs, can adequately address the issue. Overcoming these challenges will require focused and coordinated action by all.

Most people fear the idea of living in a long-term care facility. Yet, there is potential for joy and meaning in these settings. This book highlights expanded roles and services that mental health professionals can provide in long-term care for older adults, offering the potential to improve the quality of care for residents. Beyond assessments and individual therapy, the authors make a case for mental health providers to help improve the long-term care environment for both residents and staff, thus having a greater impact on systems, culture, and ultimately, patient well-being. Readers who wish to add or expand their services for older adults will find helpful guidance, including detailed instruction on Medicare policies and reimbursement practices. The authors also present an innovative model of wrap-around care that involves the array of staff and family members who are present to the individual all day, every day. This comprehensive approach, called the Eldercare Method, positions the mental health professional to serve in the roles of teacher, consultant, role model, advocate, and clinician. With numerous case examples to illustrate common scenarios and ethical dilemmas, this practical resource will help readers envision new ways to apply their skills in the rapidly growing field of long-term care for older adults.