Evidence-Based Treatment with Older Adults Theory, Practice, and Research Evidence-Based Practices Series

Evidence Based Treatment with Older Adults: Theory, Practice, and Research provides a detailed examination of five research-supported psychosocial interventions for use with older adults: cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, life review/reminiscence, problem solving therapy, and psychoeducational/social support approaches. These interventions address the diversity of mental health conditions and late-life challenges that older adults and their family members experience. Detailed explanations of the approaches, skills, and strategies employed in each intervention are provided, as are adaptions for use of the interventions with older adults. Vignettes are also used to demonstrate the use of specific practice skills and techniques with older clients. The theory undergirding each approach and the historical development of the interventions is explained, and provides the reader with a rich understanding of background and context of each therapy. In addition, the distinct issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse/misuse for which evidence exists are highlighted. Research support for application of the interventions in community-based, acute care, and long-term care settings and in individual and group formats is also discussed. Finally, implementation issues encountered in therapeutic work with older adults are described as are accommodations to enhance treatment efficacy. In sum, this book provides a comprehensive overview of evidence based psychosocial interventions for older adults; it is ideal for students and mental health professionals interested in clinical work with older adults and their families.

Nancy P. Kropf, PhD, MSW, is Dean of the Byrdine F. Lewis School of Nursing and Health Professions and Professor, School of Social Work at Georgia State University. She is a fellow and past Treasurer of the Gerontological Society of America, past president of the Association of Gerontological Education in Social Work (AGESW) and a John A. Hartford Geriatric Social Work Scholar. Dr. Kropf's research is on older adults in care provider roles, including parents of adult children with intellectual and psychiatric disabilities, and grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. She has published nine books, and over 90 chapters and peer reviewed articles in both social work and gerontology literatures. She is a frequent presenter at national and international professional conferences. Sherry Cummings, PhD, MSW, MA, is Professor and Associate Dean for the University of Tennessee College of Social Work (UTCSW). She is a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America, past president of the Association of Gerontological Education in Social Work (AGESW) and a John A. Hartford Geriatric Social Work Scholar. Dr. Cummings' area of research and practice focuses on aging and mental health, in particular, older adults with depression, severe mental illness and alcohol misuse disorders. She has published over 40 articles and three books and presents widely at national and international conferences.