Clinical Issues With Older Adults

Working with older adults is especially rewarding because older adults are often very motivated to make changes after life changing events such as retirement, death of a spouse, declining health, mobility, and/or mental acuity. Additionally, when faced with the possibility of having to give up living at home, additional challenges and opportunities arise. Therapists can best help older clients deal with these concerns by becoming knowledgeable about the unique psychological and health issues and challenges encountered by older adults.

This advanced beginner/intermediate level course addresses how to assess, diagnosis and treat the unique needs that accompany advancing age. Dr. Brickey places an emphasis on assisting clients in coping with changes and developing a sense of purpose consistent with their current circumstances. Such approaches are effective even when clients face physical and cognitive limitations.

In addition to discussing clinical concerns, Dr. Brickey also addresses insurance and legal issues, along with financial and social services resources available. The course concludes with a recording of Dr. Brickey speaking to an assisted living audience title “Depression and What You Can Do About It”. Information is included on more recent statistics relevant to older adults in the United States, though test questions will not address these statistics.