American Psychological Association
Table of Contents
Executive Summary
Authors
Why Practitioners Need Information
Demographic Realities
Myths About Older Adults
Realities of Aging
Psychological Problems
of Aging
Assessment of Older Adults
Psychological Intervention
Professional Concerns
Conclusion
Professional Resources
Bibliography |
- As previously noted, many older adults seeking
psychological services have concurrent medical problems. Some have more
than one mental disorder or coexisting social problems. Initial and ongoing
collaboration with other health care professionals and family members is
critical for the accurate assessment and treatment of older adults. The
most tightly integrated form of collaboration is an interdisciplinary treatment
team
which sets team goals, develops joint treatment plans, and addresses team
process and content issues.
- In outpatient settings, collaboration with the
client's primary health care provider may be critical to understanding
whether initial psychological symptoms and acute changes in the client's
mental status have a medical component. For older clients in need of psychotropic
medication, a good working relationship with a psychiatrist may increase
the likelihood that psychological symptoms improve and that medication
side effects are addressed. Social workers can play a vital role in assuring
that the older client and family are knowledgeable of financial entitlements
and community resources that may improve the quality of life.
- In nursing homes or in adult homes/board and
care facilities, collaboration with resident staff and those who provide
onsite health care services will expand the psychologist's understanding
of the older client's day-to-day functioning, as well as provide opportunities
to address environmental issues that may adversely affect the mental and
social well-being of the older resident.
 
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