Read- https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/uh/reader.action?docID=1780032 pg. 90-97
Listen-
https://www.npr.org/2023/08/12/1193611980/how-new-york-is-prioritizing-mental-health-care-for-elders
● 3 concepts you learned from the readings/videos/audio
○ Ie. what was something you found interesting? What is something new you learned?
○ Please post well-thought responses. An example of a well-thought response: “I learned that dementia is an umbrella term to describesubtypes of cognitive impairment that cause impairment in daily functioning.” An example of a poorly thought response: “I learned what dementia means.”
● 2 questions you have about the readings/videos/audio
○ What continues to pique your curiosity after completing the reading, watching the video, or listening to the audio? What questions did the reading/video/audio not answer for you?
○ Please post well-thought questions. An example of a well-thought question: “Isolation may become a problem for older adults, but what are the best way for them to make friends?” An example of a poorly thought question: “Old people are lame. Anyone agree?”
○ Please do not edit your questions once you have posted them, as this will confuse other students who have/have not replied to a post and myself during the grading process.
The Impact of Prioritizing Mental Health Care for Elders
In the provided readings and audio materials, several key concepts regarding mental health care for elders have been highlighted. These concepts shed light on the importance of addressing mental health concerns in the elderly population and the strategies being implemented to provide better care and support.
Concepts Learned:
1. Importance of Mental Health in Elderly Population: One significant concept learned is the increasing recognition of the importance of mental health in the elderly population. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline can significantly impact the well-being and quality of life of older adults.
2. Role of Social Support in Mental Health: The readings and audio emphasized the crucial role of social support in maintaining good mental health among elders. Loneliness and isolation were identified as risk factors for mental health issues, highlighting the need for interventions that promote social connections and community engagement.
3. Innovative Approaches to Mental Health Care: The materials discussed innovative approaches being taken to prioritize mental health care for elders, such as telehealth services, community programs, and tailored interventions. These approaches aim to increase access to mental health services and provide personalized care to meet the unique needs of older adults.
Questions Raised:
1. Integration of Mental Health Services: How are mental health services being integrated into existing healthcare systems to ensure that older adults have access to comprehensive care that addresses both their physical and mental health needs?
2. Barriers to Mental Health Care: What are the main barriers preventing older adults from seeking and receiving adequate mental health care, and what strategies are being implemented to overcome these barriers and reduce stigma associated with mental health issues in this population?
By exploring these concepts and questions further, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to mental health care for elders, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective and inclusive support systems for older adults in our communities.