More Than Just Age: Understanding Stigma and Identity Among Older Adults with Psychiatric Disabilities
Robert Walker, MS, CPS, COAPS serves with the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health’s Office of Recovery and Empowerment, where he advances peer support for older adults, the Deaf community, and the statewide peer workforce. He helped develop the Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist (COAPS) initiative in Massachusetts and nationally and has led programs such as […]
Rationale for and Design of an Exercise Program to Improve Physical Function in Older Adults with Serious Mental Health Conditions
This presentation will discuss physical function in older adults with serious mental health conditions as well as the rationale for and preliminary design of an exercise program for this population. Dr. Julia Browne is the Research Director of the Wellness and Recovery After Psychosis (WRAP) Program at Boston Medical Center and an Assistant Professor of […]
Functional Adaptation Skills Training (FAST)
S.I.L.V.E.R. Facts are annual issue briefs focused on a topic related to healthy aging with a psychiatric disability, specifically tailored for those with lived experience and their families. S.I.L.V.E.R. Facts Issue Brief #3 – Functional Adaptation Skills Training (FAST) Download Now This resource was supported by funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, […]
Helping Older People Experience Success (HOPES)
S.I.L.V.E.R. Facts are annual issue briefs focused on a topic related to healthy aging with a psychiatric disability, specifically tailored for those with lived experience and their families. S.I.L.V.E.R. Facts Issue Brief #2 – Helping Older People Experience Success (HOPES) Download Now This resource was supported by funding from the National Institute on Disability, Independent […]
Using Telehealth Technology to Improve Access and Quality of Mental Health Care to Older Veterans
Representing five different Veteran Health Administration centers across the country, this webinar details different models currently being used to promote telehealth technology use for geriatric psychiatrists working with veterans. Discussing strengths and weaknesses to current approaches, presenters also provide insight on implementation of VHA resources for expanding telehealth services for clinical and teaching roles. View […]
Understanding Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Brief Overview
This training provides practitioners in nursing home settings an understanding of PTSD, its symptoms, triggers, and outlooks. Specifically, it provides a guide on how to best support nursing home residents with PTSD through environmental accommodations, minimizing triggers, and providing support. View video This training library was supported by funding from the National Institute on Disability, […]
Tools for Creating Calm in Times of Distress
When working with older adults in long-term care facilities, providers may be tasked with responding to crises and supporting individuals in times of distress. These people may be residents, other providers, or family members in distress due to chronic health conditions, serious mental health conditions, substance use, a health crisis, family stressors, or symptomatology. This […]
The Process of Working with Older Adults in Psychotherapy
Elderspeak, attitudes about aging and age bias, social and historical context, cohort effects, and cognitive slowing are important factors for individuals providing psychotherapy for older adults to be aware of. This fifty-minute, free webinar provides education for psychotherapists and other mental health professionals to ensure they are providing older adults they work with high-quality care. […]
Approaches to Expand Strengths and Support Challenges as People Age with Serious Mental Health Conditions
The final webinar in the Supporting Recovery for People Aging with Serious Mental Health Conditions series highlight strengths and challenges for this population. Further, it identifies strategies for engagement, motivation, and resource development among older adults with serious psychiatric disabilities. View Section 1: Introduction and Section 2: Best Practices. This training library was supported by […]
Best Practices in Psychiatric Rehabilitation for People Aging with Serious Mental Health Conditions
Following the introduction segment, this second installment focuses on evidence based practice and important components of interventions for older adults with serious psychiatric disabilities. Dr. Michelle Zechner discusses the concept of healthy aging, and practices for empowering and developing hope for this population such as shared decision making. She also highlights self-management, integrated care, caregiver […]