Overview of Behavioral Health Issues in Older Adults for Paraprofessionals

Course Code: REL-BHC-0-OBHIOAP

Hours: 1

Type: Online Course

Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2029

Learning Objectives:
Explain the interactions between normal aging, physical illness, and behavioral health.
Recognize the symptoms of common behavioral health disorders in older adults.
Describe how you can provide support as part of a larger care team to improve the behavioral health functioning of older adults.

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction

About This Course

Learning Objectives

Section 2: Interaction of Physical and Behavioral Health

The Impact of Aging

Always Report Concerns

Behavioral Health Defined

Normal Age-Related Changes to Body

How Aging Affects the Brain

How to Support Normal Changes of Aging

Chronic Health Conditions

A Vicious Cycle

Additional Challenges in Older Adulthood

Loneliness & Social Isolation

Review

Summary

Section 3: Common Behavioral Health Problems Among Older Adults

Sharon’s Poor Insight

Common Behavioral Health Problems

Depressive Disorders

Trauma Disorders

Anxiety Disorders

Problematic Substance Use

Delirium

Dementia

Be Aware of Suicide Risk

How to Reduce Stigma

Review

Summary

Section 4: Conclusion

Course Summary

Course Contributor

Resources

References

Subject Matter Expert: Jacob Helton, Psy.D.

Jacob Helton, Psy.D., received his doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Marywood University in Pennsylvania. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at Chehalem Youth and Family Services in Newberg, Oregon, which included extensive training with at-risk youth and their families. He is licensed as a psychologist in Oregon and most recently worked in an integrated family medicine and internal medicine group for a large healthcare organization. Dr. Helton has worked in hospital, school, residential, and community mental health settings. He has provided treatment to clients across the lifespan and diagnostic spectrum, with an emphasis on the treatment of anxiety disorders, co-occurring medical and mental health disorders, ADHD, insomnia, severe and persistent mental illness, and the aging. He has experience as a technical writer and has provided numerous trainings to mental health professionals, physicians, allied professionals, and direct care staff. 

Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Case Managers; General Staff; in the following settings: Health and Human Services.

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All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.

To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.

Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.