COLLABORATION WITH ELDER CARE PROVIDERS

Before working with older adults I had no idea how many elder care professionals and services are available.  Since 1996 I have been fortunate to meet many caring and highly qualified people who are dedicated to the meet the needs of older adults and their families.  It is a complex field as the services are for those coping with physical and emotional challenges, often due to medical problems.

There are two types of consultation services I offer to the elder care providers.  First, I can help the professionals and/or their staff understand issues related to the psychology of older adults.  For years I've provided in-service education to the staff of long term care facilities.  The presentations would be personalized to meet the needs of staff.  Possible topics include:

- Understanding the Developmental Issues of Older Adults 

- Enhancing "Positive Aging"

- Suicide and Older Adults: Risk Assessment and Prevention 

- Detecting Early Signs of Dementia or other Cognitive Changes 

- Coping Effectively with Difficult Behavior

- Improving Communication with Older Adults and their Family Members

- Working with the Complex Dynamics in Families of Older Adults

Second, sometimes clients, or potential clients, of elder care providers need information about the services from an objective person.  I provide consultation with older adults and/or their families.  Examples of consultation issues are helping them understand the value of the service; clarifying their needs and ways to utilize the service more effectively; and improving the working alliance with the service provider.