The Praeger Handbook of Mental Health and the Aging Community

Doreen Maller, Kathy Langsam, Doreen Maller, Kathy Langsam

• Publisher: Praeger
• Year: 2017
• Print ISBN:
  9781440853340
• Edition: 1
• eBook ISBN:
  9781440853357
• Topic: Psychology
• Subtopic: Developmental Psychology
• Index: Psychology

A comprehensive book written by experienced practitioners, this single-volume work describes clinical competencies, specific challenges, and applications in providing services to the elderly and their caregivers.

More people are living past age 65 than ever before in the United States, largely due to medical care advances and increased attention to preventive care. The number of people aged 65 and older has increased from 35 million in 2000 to 40 million in 2010, and the elderly population is expected to reach 72 million by 2030. Additionally, the American Psychological Association estimates at least 20 percent of all people aged 65 and older have a diagnosable mental disorder. There is a clear need to provide additional training support to those in the field of elder care as well as those who are friends or family members of older adults.

Written by a team of experts each specializing in an aspect of elder care, The Praeger Handbook of Mental Health and the Aging Community is a single-volume text that addresses the training needs of mental health care providers serving the aging population. It offers holistic and integrated models of care after presenting an in-depth explanation of the brain, body, social, and emotional changes across aging that can trigger psychological disorders. The chapters pay attention to issues of diversity and culture in America's aging population; present an integrated care model to serve all of the needs of mentally ill elders; include numerous case studies to demonstrate how approaches can be utilized; and discuss topics such as disability, poverty, and the legal and ethical ramifications of elder care.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half Title
• Title
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• Foreword
• Introduction: Ensuring Dignified Support of the Mental Health of an Aging Population
• Chapter 1 Aging and the Therapist
• Case Study Adjusting to Illness: A Couple's Story
• Case Study A Life in Review: Sylvia's Journey
• Chapter 2 The Aging Brain: New Frontiers in Neuroscience and Medicine
• Case Study Animal-Assisted Therapy and the Elderly
• Chapter 3 The Impact of Physical Challenges on the Mental Health of the Aging Population
• Case Study Dance/Movement Therapy with Elders: Dance for Health and Healing
• Chapter 4 Diversity in the Aging Community
• Case Study Moving toward Connection: Using Creative Arts Approaches to Enhance the Well-Being of Elders
• Chapter 5 LGBTQ Seniors and Mental Health: Providing Compassionate Care to Age with Dignity
• Chapter 6 Invisible and Overlooked: Substance Use Disorders in Aging Adults
• Chapter 7 Supporting Our Elders on Their Sexual Journey
• Chapter 8 Dignity and Companionship at the End of Life: Two Contemplations on Hope, Fear, and Human Flourishing
• Chapter 9 Culture-Centered Hospice Care: Welcoming Our African American Elders Home
• Chapter 10 Aging and the Law: The Legal Aspects of Aging and Care Provision
• Chapter 11 Supervision: Competencies and Special Issues
• About the Editors and Contributors
• Index