This paper offers a commentary on the articles in the special series on cognitive behavior therapy with older adults (Carmin, 2012-this issue), noting the commonalities found across discussions of diagnostic interviewing and cognitive-behavioral assessment and treatment for late-life insomnia, depression and suicide risk, PTSD, and OCD. These case…

Obtaining a valid informed consent from an elderly person, especially with possible senile dementia of the Alzheimer's type, first may involve solving the practical problems of effective communication. Impediments to effective communication with these individuals is discussed and suggestions for how to obviate them are given. (Author/BL)

Rehabilitation of older persons disabled by cancer, stroke, or heart disease is discussed. Aspects of each disability are described, and the importance of timely and appropriate intervention with older persons is emphasized. Barriers generally faced by older disabled persons are briefly outlined. (Author)

A risk reduction model for preventing Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome in older adults has three steps: (1) mass media information about transmission factors, risk groups, and need for testing; (2) group counseling and education about benefits of risk reduction, testing, and condom use; and (3) teaching of communication skills regarding…

Discusses psychosocial and personal needs and concerns of adult children and aging parents which can combine to create conflicts. Describes strategies for intervention and considerations for counselors. (Author/ABL)

A widespread bias exists among legal, medical, and social service professionals that the appropriate placement for elderly individuals with cognitive impairment (dementia) is a nursing home. Two major reasons for institutionalization are to remove the patient from a potentially harmful situation and to relieve the family of the burden of care.…

Discusses social factors influencing nutrition among the elderly. Argues that to maximize dietary intervention, efficient functioning of federally sponsored nutrition programs, and subsequent research, greater attention to the conceptual foundation of nutrition-related variables is warranted. Offers suggestions for redirection. (Author/ABB)

A more productive approach to providing appropriate long-term care is to separate physical from psychosocial needs when performing functional assessment and to rearrange them into a matrix. By examining each need separately, and where needs overlap in the matrix, more direct assessment can be performed, and specified interventions can be designed.…

Negative stereotypes of older persons pose barriers to productive and successful aging. A social work intervention model provides ways to overcome the barriers by training social workers, conducting early childhood and elementary school interventions, providing intergenerational programs, and assisting older adults with employment, volunteering,…

Argues that nursing home mental health counselors should address nursing home residents' need for assistance in conflict resolution, having meaningful social interactions, and in developing and maintaining feelings of self-worth. Describes benefits of group therapy approach using life review format to help build basic trust and feelings of…

Subpopulations of elderly adults at highest risk for suicide are identified, and several specific programs are described, along with a range of measures to prevent suicide in late life. These measures include primary prevention steps related to education, and secondary prevention involving early identification and assessment of the depressed and…

Elderly clients resistant to help present an ethical dilemma for professionals. This dilemma may climax when assumption of authority over the client for his safety is necessary. Social workers need to work for decisions closest to the wishes of the client. The at-risk client should be informed about changes that will occur and how these changes…

Clinicians who work with at-risk older adults are often faced with the difficult decision to override their client's civil rights and force institutionalization. Many times the professional is pressured by police or a housing manager to "just do something" with the judgmentally impaired older client. Clinicians faced with these decisions may…