As people grow older, their need for behavioral and mental health services increases. With old age comes reduced physical and psychological capacity. Senility also sets in as the years further increase. Psychologists play a critical role in meeting these requirements. They cater for old adults, especially those living in impoverished communities. Such people usually have very little support. Old age requires a lot of medical attention and increasing assistance from others. Such services cost a lot of money which proves to be a burden to senior citizens living in poor areas.
Geropsychology is a psychological field that focuses on the study of aging and the provision of medical services to the elderly. Geropsychologists aim at expanding information about the normal aging process. They design and undertake tests on psychological interventions which address the common problems that arise in old age. This activity is very crucial to the improvement of healthcare for these patients. Their research work ensures that new ailments get discovered, and better methods of treatment get developed. With the right treatment plan, the elderly get assured of longevity and good health.
Gerontological Nurse practitioners are nurses serving and primary and specialty care providers. They work under a doctor. These professionals have specialized in the treatment and care of the elderly. GNPs mainly undertake the task of diagnosing illnesses, they admin medications and conduct medical exams. However, it is the doctor who determines the right type of drugs. In addition to that, the physician also undertakes the more complex medical interventions and procedures. Gerontological Nurse Practitioners can work in nursing homes, hospice facilities and others may even take private practice in clinics (Ament et al., 2015).
Interventions
Psychotropic drugs
A psychoactive drug is any substance capable of affecting the mind, behavior and emotions of the user. These medications usually get used to relieve the symptoms of mental illnesses. Such signs include depression and anxiety among many others. Mental disorders can lead to undesirable behaviors. People with bipolar disorder experience episodes of severe depression in alternation with maniac episodes. Depression can also lead to irritability and aggressiveness. Therefore, GNPs can administer psychotic drugs to calm the individual down and avoid harm to both self and others.
Psychological counseling
GNPs can develop close relationships with the patients. Through the relationship, they can build rapports that aid in proper understanding and communication. These nurses play a vital role in counseling the patients in times of bereavement and loneliness. Furthermore, they also engage the elderly in activities that might make them feel better.
Supportive counseling
This is a process GNPs use the therapist-client relationship to maintain adequate treatment and coping. Supportive counseling is preferred in patients that have a dangerous level of psychological functioning. The nurses attempt to make the patient gain the ability to deal effectively with the problem at hand. They achieve this goal through showing empathy to the patient and provide a sympathetic and listening ear (Intrator et al., 2015).
Community resources
Support centers for the elderly can help with mental health issues. These are places where senior citizens can meet and socialize during treatment. Though it is not a cure, it helps in coping with depression and anxiety. These people can share experiences and life stories making them feel better.
Specialized community funded homes for the elderly are another viable options. Through such facilities, qualified GNPs can get hired to give professional care to the elderly. This program can significantly assist those who are very old and frail. They are entirely dependent on others thus need round the clock care (Miller, 1997).
Conclusion
Although the effort needed for caring the elderly may be expensive, it is an activity worth of practice. Setting up community resources among other facilities to provide appropriate elderly environment measures our competence as well as an expression of value for life as human beings. Therefore, it remains everybody’s responsibility to take the initiative and ensure that support is sufficient to the aged groups especially those that have suffered metal illness so that they can also feel the sense of inclusiveness in the world’s greater society.
References
Ament, B. H., Wolfs, C. A., Kempen, G. I., Ambergen, T., Verhey, F. R., & De Vugt, M. E. (2015). The benefit of a geriatric nurse practitioner in a multidisciplinary diagnostic service for people with cognitive disorders. BMC research notes, 8(1), 217.
Intrator, O., Miller, E. A., Gadbois, E., Acquah, J. K., Makineni, R., & Tyler, D. (2015). Trends in Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant Practice in Nursing Homes, 2000–2010. Health services research, 50(6), 1772-1786.
Miller, S. K. (1997). Impact of a gerontological nurse practitioner on the nursing home elderly in the acute care setting. AACN Advanced Critical Care, 8(4), 609-615.
