Clinical Considerations in Aging and Long-Term Care for Mental Health Professionals

Fulfills requirement: This course fulfills requirements for aging. Check your board’s licensing requirements. This course fulfills the pre-licensing Aging and Long-Term Care requirements for Psychologists in California

This course is also offered as part of a Pre-licensing Savings Package of pre-requisite courses.

Older adults are living longer and many experience thriving, satisfying lives. Yet, challenges arise associated with compromised health, and inevitable loss. Working with older adults is especially rewarding as they are often highly motivated due to life changing events such as retirement, death of a spouse, declining health, and mobility considerations. For some, the possibility of having to move in order to be with peers and obtain services that address their needs opens a door to meaningful interventions.

This beginner/intermediate level course is comprised of two sections with content comprised of both interviews with experts in aging as well as original content. All content is available in both audio and text format.

The course begins with an analysis of common health problems. Some of the content focuses on how to diagnose and treat older adults’ unique needs with an emphasis on coping with changes and developing a sense of purpose even when faces with limited physical or cognitive functioning. This section ends with focuses on definitions and legal issues, abuse, and financial and social services resources. A primer of common dementias and associated symptoms is included.

The second section focuses on clinical interventions with special consideration given to unique aspects of depression in older adults and to how older adults with limited cognitive or verbal skills can benefit from counseling. The course ends with an interview describing research into the nature of happiness and how it can be fostered in older adults.