Older Adults with Behavioral Health Needs

 

Webinars of the Older Americans Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center

A series of 10 webinars will be offered to the broader aging services network and behavioral health community. Taken together, the webinar series will constitute a science-based, coherent and integrated review of behavioral health for older adults, with a particular focus on the issues of the prevention of suicide, anxiety and depression, prescription drug misuse and abuse, and alcohol abuse. The webinars are recorded and made available for download. 

Prescription Medication Misuse and Abuse Webinar
The first webinar in the Older Americans Behavioral Health Technical Assistance Center series focuses on prescription medication misuse and abuse, which is a growing and deadly problem among older adults, especially the Baby Boomers. This webinar discusses the prevalence of, risk factors for, and impact of psychoactive medication misuse and abuse on older adults. Featured in this webinar is effective screening tools and strategies, specifically Screening and Brief Intervention, which identify older adults at risk for psychoactive medication misuse/abuse and intervene as appropriate.
Sideshow of Webinar
Webinar 1 - Prescription Medication Misuse and Abuse

Evidence-Based Screening and Brief Interventions for Alcohol and Psychoactive Medication Misuse in Older Adults
Recent research has highlighted the growing problem of alcohol and psychoactive medication misuse and abuse among older adults and the importance of early intervention to prevent these problems. Screening and Brief Interventions (SBI) is an evidence-based program to prevent and intervene early for alcohol and medication misuse for older adults at risk. This webinar will present the steps involved in SBI, screening instruments and intervention workbook and lessons learned from the Florida BRITE Project. The webinar will also address strategies for effective implementation of SBI, including adapting and embedding SBI in existing programs and fidelity in implementation.
Webinar 2 - Alcohol and Psychoactive Medication Misuse in Older Adults

Depression, Anxiety and Suicide Prevention
Mental health problems affect one in five older adults. Depression and anxiety have been linked with worse physical health, higher health care costs, and lower quality or life in older adults. However, mental health disorders are treatable. This webinar will describe the prevalence and impact of depression, anxiety, and suicide in older adults, and will identify screening strategies and evidence-based treatments. Actions that state and local agencies can use to implement effective treatments will be highlighted, with a specific focus on the strategy that one Area Agency on Aging has used to implement Healthy IDEAS and PEARLS.
Sideshow of Webinar
Webinar 3 - Depression and Suicide Prevention

Please check back regularly for information, resources and events as the technical assistance center is launched.  For more information, please contact Rachel Feldman at rfeldman@nasuad.org or 202-898-2578.