What's New in Mental Health & Aging
2011 Mental Health & Aging Conference
The eighth annual Michigan Mental Health & Aging Conference was held on May 17-18, 2011 at the Kellogg Center at Michigan State University. This conference, formerly known as the OBRA Conference, is in its 23rd year. The conference is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and coordinated by the Mental Health and Aging Project (MHAP). The conference provides an opportunity for CMH staff and other professionals serving older adults to improve their clinical skills, learn about new trends in the field, and network with colleagues.
On the first day, participants were welcomed by Olga Dazzo, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. The keynote presenter was Dr. Frederic Blow, Director of the National Serious Mental Illness and Treatment Research & Evaluation Center, Department of Veterans Affairs, Ann Arbor. Dr. Blow discussed the many challenges that mental health providers face with the rapidly increasing number of older adults (Baby Boomers) who will need help for mental health and substance abuse problems. Intensive sessions were conducted on hoarding behavior, depression in late life, using elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy in working with older adults, supporting individual control in the context of loss, and working with older adults with co-occurring at-risk drinking and mental disorders.
The second day began with a welcome by Peggy Brey, MSW, Deputy Director of Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. The keynote presentation was "Aging and Mental Health: A Personal and Professional Perspective" by Marian K. Scheinholtz, MS, OT/L, Public Health Advisor, Substance Abuse and mental health Services, Rockville, Maryland. Ms. Scheinholtz provided an overview of current activities and planning at SAMHSA which impact funding and service provision for older adults and also shared her lived experience with mental Illness.
Following the keynote address, fourteen workshops were held on a variety of subjects including: therapeutic benefits of humor and laughter, supporting TBLG elders, ethical decision making in end-of-life care, adults with autism spectrum disorders, developing wraparound services for older adults with mental illness, forgiveness in late life, Certified Peers, incorporating the spiritual dimension into person-centered care, assisting individuals with dementia and their families in decision-making, and psychoactive medications.
Attendees of the conference provided valuable feedback and suggestions for next year's conference. The Mental Health & Aging project compiles a book of handouts for the sessions from each year's conference. If you would like to borrow this book, please contact Matt Beha at beham@lcc.edu or call him at 517/483-1529.
Save the Date
Michigan Mental Health & Aging Conference - May 8-9, 2012
Recommended Books in the MHAP Library
Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy: A Handbook for the Mental Health Practitioner, 4th ed. (2009) Author: J. William Worden.
In the fourth edition of this excellent resource, the author expands upon his previous work, including refinement of the task model of mourning and a more comprehensive examination of the variables that impact on an individual’s mourning process for a particular loss. The author explores the distinctions between uncomplicated grief and complicated mourning, with suggestions for counseling and therapy. He also addresses the experience of grief for family systems and the impact of the clinician's personal experience with loss on his or her stress and burnout. The final chapter provides 18 case scenarios that may be used in grief training programs for professionals.
Mindfulness-Based Elder Care: A CAM Model for Frail Elders and Their Caregivers. (2008) Author: Lucia McBee
This book explores complementary and alternative approaches to helping older persons and those who support them. The first portion of the book presents basic concepts of alternative interventions, with an emphasis on mind-body and mindfulness-based care. The middle section offers suggestions for specific groups or situations, including nursing home residents, elders with dementia, and people who are isolated or dying. The third section addresses how both informal and professional care providers can utilize mindfulness-based techniques to manage stress.
What if It's Not Alzheimers? A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia. (2008) Authors: Lisa Radin and Gary Radin.
The primary focus of this book is frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Although it is intended for family caregivers, professionals and other care providers will also find the information useful. The book begins with an overview of the medical aspects of FTD, including state of the disease and various interventions. The second section addresses how to care for the individual with FTD on a daily basis, providing recommendations on exercise and mobility, activities and socialization, how the disease alters relationships, and methods for fostering personal care. The authors also explore legal and end-of-life issues and self-care for family members.
These books may be borrowed from the MHAP library. For more information, contact Matt Beha at beham@lcc.edu or call Matt at 517/483-1529.
Please contact mclernoe@email.lcc.edu with any questions.
Mental Health & Aging Project
Phone: (517) 483-1529
Additional contact information »