Older people often challenge care givers
and service providers. On the one hand, they may "hide" problems by failing
to disclose changes they are experiencing, or effects of medications they
are taking. They may also challenge efforts of help because they are sub
assertive about their problems. On the other hand, some elderly people
can be extreme in their vocalizations of needs, concerns, and fears. Anxiety
and depression are quite common in the elderly, and to a lesser extent,
neuropyschological changes may be underway. All of these factors may contribute
to excessive demanding and controlling behavior on the part of the older
adult, making care givers unwilling, frustrated, or angry helpers.
In my practice I work with older aged individuals,
who are symptomatic, togetherwith their families. Planning for the day
to day care of aging parents or relatives mayrequire professional information
about psychological status and the information is best gained through formal
assessment procedures. What may appear to be one type of problem may, on
further assessment, turn out to be a problem of very different nature,
requiring specific intervention and support.
Geriatric psychological services should not only
provide an accurate description of the person's condition but also provide
the family with the necessary skills to deal with that person's living
arrangements. There are subtle distinctions in brain deterioration that
need to be made if dementia is suspected. Often this requires consultations
among various health care providers (e.g., physicians, physical therapists,
among others). The possible interaction of medications (prescription and
otherwise) is always a concern. I find it is essential to have ready access
to a person's primary care physician so that planning can be done completely
rather than piecemeal.
As our population grows older, and we live longer,
the psychological concerns of older adults will become more and more an
issue for service providers. This is an area of special interest for me.
Links:
Geriatric
Psychology
