Book Chapter

Concluding Thoughts on Psychotherapy With Older Men

Wester, Stephen R., Christianson, Heidi Fowell, Vacha-Haase, Tammi

2011

Overview

In response to the expanding older population and the increasing numbers of older adults with chronic illnesses and advances in medical technology that extend life spans, NASW (2004) issued standards for practice in end-of-life care. Eleven basic standards such as knowledge, self-awareness, treatment planning, and ethics were identified regarding clinical work in assessment, treatment, resource linkage, advocacy, and leadership in work with the dying. These guidelines are meant to be applied within the context of an aging population and culturally diverse families and communities that may hold different beliefs about illness, wellness, and medical care. NASW highlighted the culturally related factors involved in working with older adults, including perceptions of illness and death, communication styles, decision making, family support, and use of service delivery system. The recent Multicultural Competency in Geropsychology (APA, Committee on Aging, 2009)provides further explorations of key issues regarding the infusion of multicultural competence when working with older adults.

• Publisher: Routledge
• ISBN: 9780415998628, 041599862X