Behavioral Health Issues in Older Adults for Paraprofessionals

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction A. About This Course B. Learning Objectives Section 2: The Interaction of Physical and Behavioral Health A. Clarence is Having a Bad Day B. Normal Changes of Aging C. Chronic Conditions D. Diabetes and Blood Sugar E. How you can help: F. Chronic Lung Diseases G. How you can help: H. Heart Disease I. Persistent, Chronic Pain J. How you can help: K. Let’s Review L. Section Summary Section 3: Common Behavioral Health Problems Among Older Adults A. Depressive Disorders B. How you can help: C. Anxiety Disorders D. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Symptoms E. Panic Attacks F. How you can help: G. Problematic Substance Use H. Risks of Alcohol Use in Older Adults I. How you can help: J. Neurocognitive Disorders K. Delirium L. How you can help: M. Dementia N. How you can help: O. Suicide P. How you can help: Q. Treatments for Behavioral Health Disorders R. Let’s Review S. Section Summary Section 4: Improving Behavioral Health for Older Adults A. Ageism, Stigma, and Stereotypes B. Chronic Medical Conditions C. Behavioral Health-Promoting Actions D. Environments that Support Behavioral Health E. Working Effectively with the Support Network F. Let’s Review G. Section Summary Section 5: Conclusion A. Summary B. Course Contributors C. Resources D. References E. Congratulations! F. Exam

Robin Gault-Winton received her undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University in Psychology and her Masters degree in Social Work from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She has put these degrees to use as a therapist, trainer, curriculum developer, instructional designer, and performance improvement director. Her current position is Director of Learning Solution at Castle Worldwide. Her areas of professional interest include gerontology, mental health, e-learning development, and organizational consultation. In her personal life, she lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband, two daughters, two cats and a dog. Disclosure: Robin Gault-Winton, MSW has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.

Diana Joy is a clinician and professor of psychology. She received her Masters degree in Counseling Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Northern Colorado in 1986, graduating summa cum laude. She is licensed in Oregon and Colorado as a Professional Counselor. Diana served as the older adult expert for Colorado Mental Health Services. She offers professional development and consultation, in addition to her clinical practice, and teaches online. Her commitment to improving access to evidence-based behavioral health services led her to study eBehavioral Health Services and she offers this service through her private practice. She is located in Corvallis, Oregon with her husband, her therapy dog Thurmond, and of course, two cats. Disclosure: Diana Joy, MA, LPC has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.

Lisa Furst, LMSW, MPH is Director of Public Education for the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC). She develops and implements public education programming that provides information about mental illnesses and their treatment to professionals, paraprofessionals, and the general public. In her role as the Director of Education for the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance of New York, a project of MHA-NYC, Ms. Furst creates public education and training/technical assistance programs to educate professionals and the general public about the mental health needs of older adults. She is a co-author of “Depressed Older Adults, Education and Screening” (Springer Publishing Company), a guidebook to help aging and social service professionals establish a model of mental health education and depression screening in community-based aging service programs. She is a graduate of the Hunter College School of Social Work and is a licensed social worker in New York State. Disclosure: Lisa Furst, LMSW has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.