Depression and an Older Adult Teaching Module
This teaching video illustrates an initial screening for depression with an older man and explores somatic symptoms, depressed mood, frustration, and suicidal ideation. Screening tools used are the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form and suicide risk assessment questions. Issues associated with depression in the context of age-related social and health changes, and areas where somatic complaints accompany depressed mood are explored. Teaching points, evaluation tools, discussion questions, and resources are offered. A script of the video is provided.
Advanced Competencies Addressed in This Module:
- Ability to engage, maintain rapport, and sustain effective working relationships with a wide range of older adults including those with behavior problems, mental illness, or dementia.
- Understanding of how to conduct a geriatric assessment of psychosocial factors.
- Understanding of how to conduct differential mental health diagnosis regarding depression using diagnostic tools that are appropriate for use with older adults.
- How to intervene to assist individuals and families dealing with complex end-of-life issues regarding death, dying, bereavement, and loss.
- Application of concepts, theories, and research of biological, psychological, and social aging to social work assessment and intervention.
- Understanding of the effects and interactions of multiple chronic conditions, medication, nutrition, and sudden or ongoing causes of changes in cognitive states and functional capacity.
- Ability to relate social work perspectives and theories to practice with older adults (e.g., person-in-environment).