Geropsychological Interventions in Long-Term Care

Older people are entering nursing homes later and sicker than ever before, thus presenting as more physically fragile and complex residents and requiring more advanced care and treatment. To this end, Hyer and Intrieri have gathered together a group of health care professionals who are genuinely dedicated to the care and research of long-term care (LTC) environments. This group seeks to push the envelope for improved use of professional time, effort, and input and in this remarkable book, share their ideas with you.

By applying the Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC) model to various care settings, the editors are able to examine current LTC practices and existing psychosocial issues confronting older LTC patients; either support or challenge them; and offer suggestions and strategies, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, for improving the LTC system and residents' physical, psychological, emotional, and social health.

This book provides insight on the psychological issues facing long-term care residents for a plethora of health care professionals, including:

• Physicians and geriatricians who care for older adults in the LTC system
• Nurses and geriatric nurse specialists
• Social workers
• Activity coordinators
• Physical, occupational, and speech therapists within an LTC setting who are seeking ways to explain behavior and empower the residents they care for
• Psychologists and psychiatrists whose practice focuses on older adults

By applying the Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC) model to various care settings, the editors are able to examine current LTC practices and existing psychosocial issues confronting older LTC patients; either support or challenge them; and offer suggestions and strategies, such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, for improving the LTC system and residents? physical, psychological, emotional, and social health.

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Sharon G Thomas, BSN(University of Missouri-Columbia)
Description:The face of long-term care is changing. This book is a collection of theories, research, and practical applications focused on improving the LTC system so that consumers may realize their full potential until the end of life.
Purpose:The purpose is to provide insight into the psychosocial needs of today's long-term care population. This is a worthy objective as the LTC industry is growing in numbers and complexity. To meet the changing needs of residents, staff must be trained to consider the person as a whole, including physical, psychological, and social components. The book, using contributions from a collection of experts, meets the goal citing theories, research, and practical application through the use of case studies.
Audience:It is written for anyone interested in changing long-term care so that consumers can thrive. The editors and contributors are credible authorities, not only because of their education and practice, but because of their passion to make a change in how we view and deliver long-term care.
Features:The book includes an overview of aging and long-term care. It then addresses several components that affect a person's sense of well-being including the medical, psychological, psychiatric, and social. The best thing about this book is the blending of theories, research, and practical application in a very organized manner. The variety of ideas stimulates thinking outside the current practice model. Of great value is the extensive reference list at the end of every chapter.
Assessment:There are many reasons to change the LTC delivery system. The makeup of the population is changing and growing and resources are shrinking. It is imperative that care providers have adequate training and insight into the needs of each individual so that delivery of service is efficient and effective. The ideas and information in this book provoke the reader to think in new ways, develop new approaches, and hopefully to facilitate change.