Mental Health Concerns and The Older Adult
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and this understanding can enhance in- terpersonal relationships with the older adult. Rapport and trust are assembled or hindered from the initial client meeting and transform/shift at every subsequent interaction. Other ways to increase rap- port and trust are with the use of interper- sonal warmth and a nonjudgmental atti- tude (Boyd, 2017). The healthcare worker should prepare for positive interactions prior to the first interaction with the cli - ent and work at strengthening the bond whenever possible. Healthcare organiza- tions can also strive to decrease ageism by offering educational activities that dis- pel misconceptions and prejudices while addressing intergenerational concerns of the older adult (WHO, 2021). Ultimately, the healthcare worker must foster a ther- apeutic relationship nurtured in rapport and trust in order to meet the mental health needs of the older adult. Cultural care To understand the older adult more completely, the healthcare provider must enter the therapeutic relationship with the understanding that cultural beliefs and practices impact care. The older adult cli- ent may identify with a particular culture, and the healthcare provider needs to assess that identification in order to pro - vide quality mental health services. The healthcare worker needs to understand the definition of culture, its application, and how to extend cultural acceptance. Definition of culture (American Psychiatric Association, 2022c): 1. The distinctive customs, values, beliefs, knowledge, art, and language of a society or a community. These values and concepts are passed on from generation to generation,
and they are the basis for everyday behaviors and practices. 2. The characteristic attitudes and behaviors of a particular group within society, such as a profession, social class, or age group. The healthcare provider must assess each older adult client with openness us- ing cultural competence and cultural hu- mility. Cultural competence is the knowl- edge, skill, and awareness the healthcare provider possesses (Boyd, 2017). Cultural humility is the healthcare provider’s ability to self-reflect on potential bias and possi - ble factors that could interfere with pro- viding mental healthcare (Stubbe, 2020). It places emphasis on a continuous learn- ing process for the healthcare worker. Both concepts are defined and designed to aid the healthcare worker in their inter- actions with older adult clients and pro- vide cultural acceptance. Techniques for the healthcare worker to extend cultural acceptance (Stubbe, 2020) include: ● Review your agency’s policies and practices toward culture. ● Find out if your agency provides accommodations for language. ● Simply ask the client how they identify their culture. ● Take notes on specific practices, customs, and beliefs the client discusses. ● Avoid assumptions. ● Ask about discrimination, bullying, or possible harassment related to culture. ● For validation, reword and repeat what is being shared. ● Give the client permission to speak up when they are feeling misunderstood.
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