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Dear %$firstname$%
Older Americans Mental Health Week is May 24-30, 2009
by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
So often we hear the term Mental Health, but what does it really mean? Most definitions describe it as the absence of mental illness. We identify people who have mental conditions, mental illness or emotional problems, which need to be treated - with medications, psychotherapy, or even hospitalization
But how do we achieve Mental Wellness? Why is it that many people are able to stay mentally healthy throughout their lives, while others struggle? Is this an innate personality characteristic or a skill that can be learned? Can we teach people how to have Mental Wellness? How do you know if you have mental wellness?
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines Mental Health as:
" a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community". They go on to state that cultural differences, subjective assessments, and competing professional theories all affect how "mental health" is defined.
Did you notice how that WHO listed "work productively, and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community"? What happens as we age, and disease, physical impairments, or mental conditions impact our ability to work productively and make contributions to our community?
We often find these older adults suffering from a sense of worthless and low self-esteem, which can lead to Depression or Anxiety. How can we aid impaired older adults in feeling worthwhile, improve their self-esteem, and prevent mental conditions which need to be treated?
The clinical social workers at Pathways for Aging have become increasingly interested in the psychology of positive aging. Rather than just treating our seniors for mental health problems, can we help them to be proactive, to avoid mental conditions, to feel good about aging - to manintain mental wellness?
Over the past decade there has been icreasingly more attention and public interest in staying physically healthy - wellness - how to increase longevity and prevent disease. Can the same principles and energy be applied to Mental Wellness? Can we teach people, how to prevent mental problems? Especially mature adults who who face a multitude of changes and losses as they enter the "third age" of their lives?
When researching resources regarding Mental Wellness very few were found. Positive Psychology is a relatively new field. There are a few models which include attributes such as the following examples of healthy functioning:
a sense of worth
sense of control
realistic beliefs
emotional awareness,
coping
problem solving
creativity
sense of humor,
stress management
cultural identity
gender identity
To help promote positive aging we have developed a series of presentations - Aging as an Asset - which will be given throughout the St. Louis community. If you are interested in hosting one or more of these presentations over the summer, at your facility, organization, or faith community, feel free to contact us through the our website: info@pathwaysforaging.com
Pathways for Aging - Celebrates
5 Year Anniversary!
It's hard for us to believe, but for 5 years the clinical social workers of Pathways for Aging have been helping you help the older adults in your life - through in-home and on-site couseling/psychotherapy and geriatric care management services. We look forward to many more years of assisting each older adult and their caregivers follow their own unique pathways of aging.
Current Speaking Engagements:
- April 2009 - All day workshop for professional Social Workers - Decisions at End-of-Life: Who Decides?
- May 2009 - Assessment, geriatric care management & psychotherapy @ Gerontology Class Lindenwood University
- May 2009 - Feeling Good ..... About Aging for the professional social workers @ the BJC/WUSTL medical complex
- May 2009 - Assessment, geriatric care management & psychotherapy @ Stephen Ministry, Webster Groves, MO
Website Tip of the Month
Senior Mental Health - Older Adult Mental Health Information
The mission of this Web site is to provide information and resources for understanding mental wellness
New Reduced Fee Service:
The Social Workers at Pathways for Aging are senstive to the needs of clients and caregivers impacted by the current state of the American Economy. If you feel you are unable to afford a comprehensive in-home assessment and just need to speak with a professional for some guidance, we are offering a one-time -
One hour Telephone Consultation for $75.
You will be asked to provide us with some information in advance to the scheduled telephone consultation, so we can make the best use of your time, and assist you in developing an action plan and focus your efforts in locating services and resources.
New Products:
Aromatherapy Soy Candles - we have recently obtained 3 varieties of soy candles, from AandL Candles, to help relax or energize you or the caregiver in your life. The candles will be sold for $12.00 + Tax & Shipping, through our website, or you can contact Jeannie directly at j.krausetaylor@pathwaysforaging.com
Stay tuned - more information to follow.
Pathways for Aging Special Report:
Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway?
Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient in the Healthcare System
Dying with Dignity - Whose Death Is It, Anyway?
Beyond the Living Will - Empowering the Patient
in the Healthcare System
Only $14.95.
Get your copy here. |
by Jeannie Krause-Taylor, MSW, LCSW, ACSW
"How will you or a loved one die?"
This report examines some of the most common challenges with end-of-life issues. It explains the three main legal documents and how end-of-life decisions are made. Includes a checklist of what to consider and how to create your own Action Plan. Also includes eleven ways to be an advocate for yourself or a loved one and resolve conflicts in healthcare decisionmaking. Order your copy from the Products Page at PathwaysforAging.com HERE.
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Our team....
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Anne Harter, MSW, LCSW is joining the staff of Pathways for Aging. Watch for more information next month about Anne and the experience she brings to our team!
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Recent Posts on Our Blog
.......we would love to hear some of your comments & ideas
Please Contact Us
Call us today at 314.361.3530 if you or a friend or family member needs help with an older adult.
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Pathways for Aging, Inc.
Helping you help the older adults
in your life.
Contact us at 314.361.3530
or e-mail us here.
Geriatric Care Management Psychotherapy
6614 Clayton Road, #235
St. Louis, Missouri 63117
How We Can Help
Personalized Care Management from the staff at Pathways for Aging provides:
Customized information about community resources to meet the needs of your loved one.
Peace of mind if you are separated from your loved one by geography or by a vacation or business trip.
Someone to act as your eyes and ears, and troubleshoots problems before they become crises.
A supportive advocate if you need to make life-altering decisions which impact quality-of-life, such as medical decisions, whether your loved one is able to continue independent living, when is it time to consider alternative housing, etc.
A professional to help with strained family relationships and negotiating difficult decisions.
Call us today at 314.361.3530 to see how we can help you. |
