Older People (counselling)

Overview:

• Obstacles faced by the elderly
• Tactics in counselling and interviewing older persons
• Challenges faced by carers
• What to avoid doing when counselling and interviewing older persons

Description:

Elderly people face many challenges - both physical and psychological. However, the psychological needs of older people are often overlooked as attention is focused on the physical challenges of coping with the essential activities of daily living. This chapter discusses counselling and interviewing of older people. The theme of the chapter is that carers should cherish the opportunity to relate with older people and to share their wealth of experience and wisdom.

Topics:

• Challenges faced by older people
• Some common ‘ageist’ myths
• Strategies and techniques
• Challenges for carers
• Things not to do

Speaker / Author:

Hugh Irons

Hugh Irons is a registered nurse who holds a master’s degree in community health nursing and qualifications in workplace assessment and training. Hugh works full-time in community-based mental health care with Ballarat Health Services— Psychiatric Services (Victoria, Australia). He has nearly 20 years of experience in this field, and also has substantial experience in teaching and coordinating undergraduate nursing students at the University of Ballarat, where he is a teaching fellow. Hugh is also a qualified relaxation massage therapist. He is a member of both the Royal College of Nursing, Australia and the Australian and New Zealand College of Mental Health Nursing, and is an associate member of the Australian Counselling Association. Hugh also runs his own consultancy in workplace and community mental-health behavioural training. In this role, Hugh conducts seminars, runs workplace in-service sessions, and facilitates conferences on a multitude of related topics.

Hugh’s motivation for writing this book springs from his conviction that all caring persons, with or without formal training, can have a significant therapeutic impact on the mental health and well-being of people who find themselves in distressing circumstances. Hugh relaxes with his wife of 35 years, Patricia, and is interested in reading, walking, and travelling. When travelling, Hugh makes a point of visiting mental-health services in any country that he visits -gathering and disseminating ideas of mutual benefit.

Professional Reviews: