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Formal and informal support for older adults with severe mental illness
- Authors:
- CUMMINGS Sherry M., KROPF Nancy P.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 13(4), July 2009, pp.619-627.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This study sought to examine the combination of formal and informal services supplied to older adults with severe mental illness, to assess the adequacy of services received, and to determine factors predictive of formal and informal service provision. A cross-sectional research design was employed. Seventy-five older adults diagnosed with a SMI were recruited through local community mental health centre. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews using the Camberwell Assessment of Needs for the Elderly. Clients most frequently received services from formal sources for psychiatric distress, physical health, information, and dangerous behaviour needs while informal sources provided the greatest amount of assistance for self-care, psychiatric distress, and money management needs. Appropriate assistance was most often not provided for benefits, sight/hearing, and incontinence. Formal services were predicted by group residence and dangerous behaviour, physical illness, medication, and daily activity needs. Assistance from informal sources was predicted by private residence, self-care, mobility, and money management needs. While formal and informal sources provided adequate services for certain client needs, over 70% of the clients did not receive the correct type of help for some of their needs. Greater communication between mental health care staff and informal caregivers, and the integration of aging network services, is essential for the adequate provision of care to older severely mentally ill (SMI) adults. Education and greater linkages among care providers are necessary so that all service providers are aware of and are able to appropriately respond to the complex multi-level needs experienced by older SMI adults.
Treating older persons with severe mental illness in the community: impact of an interdisciplinary geriatric mental health team
- Author:
- CUMMINGS Sherry M.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 52(1), January 2009, pp.17-31.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This study examines the treatment efficacy of a mental health geriatric interdisciplinary team in Tennessee, which includes social workers, a psychologist, a clinical nurse specialist, a psychiatrist, case managers and a programme manager, all with geriatric training. The sample consisted of 69 community dwelling clients aged 55 or older with severe mental health problems defined as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder or major recurrent depression. The majority had major recurrent depression. The results show a reduction in depressive symptoms and psychiatric hospital admissions, and an increase in life satisfaction, at six-month follow-up. No changes were found in health status or in medical hospital admissions.
Motivational interviewing to affect behavioral change in older adults
- Authors:
- CUMMINGS Sherry M., COOPER R. Lyle, CASSIE Kim McClure
- Journal article citation:
- Research on Social Work Practice, 19(2), March 2009, pp.195-204.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This article reviews and assesses the existing research literature on the efficacy of motivational interviewing (MI) to promote lifestyle changes and improve functioning among older adults confronting serious health challenges. A comprehensive literature review was conducted of intervention studies that tested the use of MI to achieve behavioural change among older adults with acute and chronic illnesses. Although limited in number, the studies revealed a significant improvement in physical activity, diet, cholesterol, blood pressure and glycemic control, and increased smoking cessation following MI. MI and its derivatives can be useful in dealing with a range of health issues faced by older adults. Further research to extend findings and address methodological issues is recommended. The integration of MI into social work courses focused on practice with older adults should be considered.