Suicide, ideation, and self-harm among older adults are highly prevalent yet minimally researched and uncomfortably discussed topics in the United States. Older adults often exhibit many primary risk factors, including mental illness (especially depression and grief/loss), medical illness, impaired coping skills, social disconnectedness, and functional impairment. Additionally, substance use disorders are a significant issue within this population. As the number of elderly individuals grows, we can expect an increase in substance-related problems and depression leading to suicidal thoughts or attempts. Life transitions, such as changes in housing for oneself or a spouse, exacerbate these risks, making the transition to assisted living or long-term care a crucial time for screening and intervention.

It is important for clinicians to be knowledgeable about the clinical presentation, screening methods, and risk assessment as the goal is for timely interventions and referral to appropriate care so life can be preserved. This webinar will discuss the prevalence of suicidality in senior living, the signs and behaviors indicating elevated risk for suicide and substance abuse, screening tools, and intervention strategies during this pivotal time.

Who Should Attend
Administrators, Nurses, Department Heads, Social Workers, Activity Professionals, Direct Care Professionals, and other team members.  Appropriate for all provider types including nursing home, assisted living, adult day services, and independent living.

Registration & Other Information

LeadingAge Colorado Member       $50
Prospective Member                $100

Register Now.                                    

What’s Included
Registration fee includes digital handouts and one connection to the live webinar.  A recording of this webinar will be made available upon request for 2 weeks following the webinar.

Cancellation/Refund Policy
There will be no refunds approved for this webinar. Registered attendees who miss the live webinar can request the recording within 2 weeks following the webinar.

Go to www.LeadingAgeIowa.org/VPCodeofConduct to view the LAI Virtual Programs Code of Conduct.

Faculty

Kathleen Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, Education Director. Select Rehabilitation
Kathleen Weissberg, in her more than 25 years of practice, has worked in long term care as a researcher/educator and has established various programs in nursing facilities including palliative care and end of life care, incontinence management, falls management and dementia care and staging. She currently provides continuing education support to 6,000 therapists nationwide as director of education for Select Rehabilitation. She has lectured nationally, at the state level, and authored publication on the topics such as patient satisfaction outcomes in long term care, restraint reduction and fall prevention, driving and the elderly, dementia management, palliative care, and hospital readmissions. She has presented at previous LeadingAge conferences for Georgia, South Carolina, Michigan, New York, and has authored articles for publication for LeadingAge Florida and Texas.

Register Now.