The Mental Health And Substance Use Workforce For Older Adults

At least 5.6 million to 8 million-nearly one in five-older adults in America have one or more mental health and substance use conditions, which present unique challenges for their care. With the number of adults age 65 and older projected to soar from 40.3 million in 2010 to 72.1 million by 2030, the aging of America holds profound consequences for the nation. For decades, policymakers have been warned that the nation's health care workforce is ill-equipped to care for a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse population. In the specific disciplines of mental health and substance use, there have been similar warnings about serious workforce shortages, insufficient workforce diversity, and lack of basic competence and core knowledge in key areas. Following its 2008 report highlighting the urgency of expanding and strengthening the geriatric health care workforce, the IOM was asked by the Department of Health and Human Services to undertake a complementary study on the geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. The Mental Health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands? assesses the needs of this population and the workforce that serves it. The breadth and magnitude of inadequate workforce training and personnel shortages have grown to such proportions, says the committee, that no single approach, nor a few isolated changes in disparate federal agencies or programs, can adequately address the issue. Overcoming these challenges will require focused and coordinated action by all.

At least 5.6 million to 8 million--nearly one in five--older adults in America have one or more mental health and substance use conditions, which present unique challenges for their care. With the number of adults age 65 and older projected to soar from 40.3 million in 2010 to 72.1 million by 2030, the aging of America holds profound consequences for the nation. For decades, policymakers have been warned that the nation's health care workforce is ill-equipped to care for a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse population. In the specific disciplines of mental health and substance use, there have been similar warnings about serious workforce shortages, insufficient workforce diversity, and lack of basic competence and core knowledge in key areas. Following its 2008 report highlighting the urgency of expanding and strengthening the geriatric health care workforce, the IOM was asked by the Department of Health and Human Services to undertake a complementary study on the geriatric mental health and substance use workforce. The Mental Health and Substance Use Workforce for Older Adults: In Whose Hands? assesses the needs of this population and the workforce that serves it. The breadth and magnitude of inadequate workforce training and personnel shortages have grown to such proportions, says the committee, that no single approach, nor a few isolated changes in disparate federal agencies or programs, can adequately address the issue. Overcoming these challenges will require focused and coordinated action by all.--Résumé de l'éditeur.

Existing systems are not prepared to provide the mental health care services needed by the growing population of older adults. The National Academies Forum on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders hosted a public workshop in May 2023 to highlight the current state of mental health care for older adults, outline the challenges they face, and explore potential long-term strategies and solutions for addressing unmet mental health needs. Discussions emphasized information about wellness and prevention, social determinants of health in aging populations, the impact of workforce shortages and gaps, the need for supportive healthy communities, and strategies to promote positive mental health.This publication summarizes the presentations and discussion of the workshop.

Improve Service Delivery with New Evidence-Based Guidelines Geared to improve service delivery in the care of older adults, this new and more authoritative approach to practice and management is supported by the latest evidence-based guidelines from the leading experts in the field. For the first time, behavioral health care providers can gain access to a more reliable source for implementing and improving service delivery protocols and practices. This new guide applies evidence-based criteria to the following patient care and management needs to help you: Select an Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) Assess Feasibility Manage Quality Create a Culturally Grounded Practice Assess and Treat Depression, Anxiety, and Substance Use Disorders Assess and Treat Dementia and Schizophrenia Review by Service Delivery Process Review within Special Settings Create More Sustainable Services Written primarily for program administrators and clinical supervisors, health care professionals in mental health and geriatric services, and teachers and students in the field of geriatric health care, much of the timely information contained in this book can be used as a reference for evidence-based geriatric behavioral health by people who work with elderly clients with mental health needs.

As the first of the nation's 78 million baby boomers begin reaching age 65 in 2011, they will face a health care workforce that is too small and woefully unprepared to meet their specific health needs. Retooling for an Aging America calls for bold initiatives starting immediately to train all health care providers in the basics of geriatric care and to prepare family members and other informal caregivers, who currently receive little or no training in how to tend to their aging loved ones. The book also recommends that Medicare, Medicaid, and other health plans pay higher rates to boost recruitment and retention of geriatric specialists and care aides. Educators and health professional groups can use Retooling for an Aging America to institute or increase formal education and training in geriatrics. Consumer groups can use the book to advocate for improving the care for older adults. Health care professional and occupational groups can use it to improve the quality of health care jobs.

This essential guide is designed for mental health practitioners and primary care providers without advanced training in geriatric psychiatry. Gary J. Kennedy sets forth a clear framework for understanding the interplay of medical, psychological, and social factors in frequently encountered problems among older adults. Clear guidelines are delineated for assessing and treating such conditions as depression and anxiety, dementia, psychosis and mania, sleep disturbances, personality and somatoform disorders, substance abuse, and suicidality. Throughout, the book focuses on ways to sustain seniors' independence and overall quality of life while enhancing their adaptive capacities. Winner--American Journal of Nursing Book of the Year Award (2000) See also the author's Geriatric Depression: A Clinical Guide, which distills the best available interventions for depression in older adults in a highly accessible format.

Community Mental Health for Older People is the perfect resource for mental health workers as it discuses the ageing population, within the context of community mental health. It provides a comprehensive overview of the important issues and clinical practices that influence mental health care for older people. Written from a multidisciplinary perspective it is suitable for all health workers in community mental health teams (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, clinical psychologists, consumer representatives, medical practitioners, occupational therapists, registered nurses, social workers, etc) as it incorporates the use of case studies to aid in the application of evidence-based practice. Multidisciplinary approach serves to illustrate the breadth and context of mental issues for older people Chapters are topical and relevant, discussing issues such as service provision, cultural and rural issues, major disorders and interventions, as well as ethical and legal issues. Vignettes are included throughout the clinical chapters and serve to illustrate real cases derived from practice Evidence-based practice is a key element to this pivotal new text as it highlights the best method of practise, in a clear and accessible manner. Highly readable style without the bulkiness of excessive references This text will cover issues relevant to the mental health of older people within a community context in Australia and New Zealand. Issues will include population health and the clinical management of the major concerns experienced with the diverse clinical presentations by older people. The mental health care of older people is now considered a specialist area with older person's mental health services being key components of the mental health service framework. The publication is primarily aimed at health workers in community mental health teams (registered nurses, clinical psychologists, medical practitioners, social workers, occupational therapists, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers etc), but would incorporate those trainee health professionals involved in relevant undergraduate and postgraduate studies.

Researchers are only beginning to realize the pervasiveness of substance abuse, such as alcohol and prescription drug misuse, among older people, thousands of whom need treatment but do not receive it. This Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) recommends best practices for identifying, screening, assessing, and treating alcohol and prescription drug abuse among people age 60 and older. Sections: alcohol; use and abuse of psychoactive prescription drugs and OTC medications; identification, screening, and assessment; referral and treatment approaches; outcomes and cost issues; legal and ethical issues; tools. Bibliography. 19 charts and tables.