Chapter 14 CLINICAL COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT INTRODUCTION Clinical cognitive assessment involves the informal and formal testing of memory and other intellectual abilities in the context of the overall clinical assessment of…
Chapter 15 PHYSICAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT INTRODUCTION As general medical conditions increase sharply in prevalence with advancing age, many people referred to older persons’ mental health services (OPMHS), and many of…
Chapter 13 THE MENTAL STATE EXAMINATION INTRODUCTION This chapter is devoted to the mental state examination of older people in the community setting. Mental state examination is often referred to…
Chapter 11 THE THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP INTRODUCTION The therapeutic relationship differs from ordinary human relationships in that its purpose is to allow the diagnosis and treatment of a health problem. It…
Chapter 10 CONSULTATION–LIAISON SERVICES TO RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITIES INTRODUCTION Community mental health teams for older people often provide consultation–liaison services to residential aged care facilities (RACFs). A consultation–liaison service…
Chapter 9 CONSUMERS AND CARERS INTRODUCTION Older people experience a broad range of mental health problems and contact with specialist mental health services is increasing. This contact brings a desire…
Chapter 7 SOCIAL ISSUES INTRODUCTION When exploring the mental health problems of older people, the extent to which they are exacerbated by social issues is as important as what results…
Chapter 6 CULTURAL ISSUES INTRODUCTION An older person’s cultural background has a great influence on many aspects of their mental health. When considering treatment options, it is imperative to consider…
Chapter 4 MODELS OF MENTAL HEALTHCARE AND ORGANISATIONAL ISSUES INTRODUCTION Although there is evidence for the effectiveness of older persons’ mental health services (OPMHS) (Draper 2000), the most effective components…
Chapter 2 NORMAL, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL AGEING INTRODUCTION This chapter introduces the concept of normal ageing and contrasts it with healthy ageing and successful ageing. Mental health workers regularly encounter unhealthy…
