Type of Proposal
Oral Presentation
Faculty
Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Proposal
According to Macleans, “in the year 2031 one in four Canadians will be over the age of 65.” These individuals make up a sizeable chunk of the Canadian population, and this statistic also sheds light on the resources we have to facilitate this drastic change. Although, the healthcare sector thrives in providing accessible healthcare for physical issues, mental health is not as successful. Research regarding geriatric mental health (i.e. individuals over the age of 60) is limited, particularly in the Windsor-Essex region. Geriatric patients are unable to access psychological and psychiatric treatment, solely due to stigma, lack of education, social support, due to geographical location (urban versus rural), limited resources, inaccessibility, lack of public awareness, as well as ageism. From the years 2013-2017, there have been a limited number of strategies to target mental health in geriatrics, which provides evidence about the lack resources available for Geriatric patients. Most of the resources are being allocated towards the youth and middle-aged individuals (20 years and up). This quantitative study will explore the 2013-2017 strategies through a gap analysis, and then devise an action plan. The plan will consist of assessing Geriatric mental health scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale, and particular treatment options. Geriatric patients will be assessed before and after enrolling in a 6-month program. This program will consist of 1-on-1 sessions with a psychologist, followed by participation in community service activities (volunteering at the hospital gift shop, library, etc) (Greenberg, 2012). Participants will then be tested, via the Geriatric Depression Scale, when visiting their physician for a regular annual checkup (Greenberg, 2012). The goal, of this study, is to lead to greater accessibility for every patient, in the Windsor-Essex region, and expand knowledge on the rising cost of psychological services being offered in this area.
Start Date
22-3-2018 9:20 AM
End Date
22-3-2018 10:40 AM
Location
Alumni Auditorium A
Grand Challenges
Viable, Healthy and Safe Communities
Investigating Geriatric Mental Health Initiatives and Treatment Plans in the Windsor-Essex Region
Alumni Auditorium A
According to Macleans, “in the year 2031 one in four Canadians will be over the age of 65.” These individuals make up a sizeable chunk of the Canadian population, and this statistic also sheds light on the resources we have to facilitate this drastic change. Although, the healthcare sector thrives in providing accessible healthcare for physical issues, mental health is not as successful. Research regarding geriatric mental health (i.e. individuals over the age of 60) is limited, particularly in the Windsor-Essex region. Geriatric patients are unable to access psychological and psychiatric treatment, solely due to stigma, lack of education, social support, due to geographical location (urban versus rural), limited resources, inaccessibility, lack of public awareness, as well as ageism. From the years 2013-2017, there have been a limited number of strategies to target mental health in geriatrics, which provides evidence about the lack resources available for Geriatric patients. Most of the resources are being allocated towards the youth and middle-aged individuals (20 years and up). This quantitative study will explore the 2013-2017 strategies through a gap analysis, and then devise an action plan. The plan will consist of assessing Geriatric mental health scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale, and particular treatment options. Geriatric patients will be assessed before and after enrolling in a 6-month program. This program will consist of 1-on-1 sessions with a psychologist, followed by participation in community service activities (volunteering at the hospital gift shop, library, etc) (Greenberg, 2012). Participants will then be tested, via the Geriatric Depression Scale, when visiting their physician for a regular annual checkup (Greenberg, 2012). The goal, of this study, is to lead to greater accessibility for every patient, in the Windsor-Essex region, and expand knowledge on the rising cost of psychological services being offered in this area.