Overview
This provocative guidebook examines the use of strengths-based interventions for working with the growing population of older adults. Eighteen renowned experts relate their groundbreaking theories and experiences, revealing ways to help older people achieve as much mental and physical autonomy and wellness as possible. Here, in one place, is the next generation of practical, multidisciplinary approaches -- social, physical, psychological, and spiritual -- to therapy with older adults. An indispensable, inspirational resource for students and practitioners in social work, gerontology, psychology/psychotherapy, geriatric psychiatry, counseling, and policy making that represents a paradigm shift in how mental health care is provided to older people.Synopsis
Contains 16 chapters addressing the use of strengths- based interventions for working with the growing population of older adults. Includes detailed, useful case studies and innovative strategies for engaging older adults' strengths in a variety of settings and for working with older adults in therapy and counseling. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Doody Review Services
Reviewer:David O. Staats, MD(University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center)
Description:This multiauthored book uses the concept of strengths to discuss mental health among older persons. It is a brilliant synthesis of the best contemporary psychology and gerontology has to offer.
Purpose:The purpose is to explain strengths-based approaches and demonstrate how effective this approach is to helping older persons. The authors score a home run in every chapter with this approach.
Audience:The audience is students and practitioners in social work, gerontology, psychology/psychotherapy, geropsychiatry, counseling and policy making. To this I would add trainees and practitioners in geriatric medicine. The book is written by first-rate authors in a clear and inviting style.
Features:This book is a marvel. It talks about retirement, long-term care, the fundamental work of the American psychotherapist Milton Erikson, care management of older persons; all with a strengths-based approach that accentuates the positive. The discussion of spirituality and the aging self transcends the usual and gives new insights into the nature of cultural competence.
Assessment:This book is as seminal as Butler and Lewis's Mental Health and Aging (1979). It is a superb work that covers so many areas of aging and mental health in under 400 pages. This book is clearly the best rendition of the psychology of aging extant today. Each chapter leads to new levels of insight. The positive tone is a splendid example of professionalism mixed with experience and compassion. This book would make an excellent textbook for trainees in many disciplines. Much of its content is unique. Every medical library should possess this wonderful book and it should be must reading for every geriatric medicine fellow.
Editorials
Reviewer: David O. Staats, MD(University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center)
Description: This multiauthored book uses the concept of strengths to discuss mental health among older persons. It is a brilliant synthesis of the best contemporary psychology and gerontology has to offer.
Purpose: The purpose is to explain strengths-based approaches and demonstrate how effective this approach is to helping older persons. The authors score a home run in every chapter with this approach.
Audience: The audience is students and practitioners in social work, gerontology, psychology/psychotherapy, geropsychiatry, counseling and policy making. To this I would add trainees and practitioners in geriatric medicine. The book is written by first-rate authors in a clear and inviting style.
Features: This book is a marvel. It talks about retirement, long-term care, the fundamental work of the American psychotherapist Milton Erikson, care management of older persons; all with a strengths-based approach that accentuates the positive. The discussion of spirituality and the aging self transcends the usual and gives new insights into the nature of cultural competence.
Assessment: This book is as seminal as Butler and Lewis's Mental Health and Aging (1979). It is a superb work that covers so many areas of aging and mental health in under 400 pages. This book is clearly the best rendition of the psychology of aging extant today. Each chapter leads to new levels of insight. The positive tone is a splendid example of professionalism mixed with experience and compassion. This book would make an excellent textbook for trainees in many disciplines. Much of its content is unique. Every medical library should possess this wonderful book and it should be must reading for every geriatric medicine fellow.
4 Stars! from Doody