177 Mental Health Concerns and The Older Adult
● Empty feelings about life. ● Loneliness (feeling isolated and distant from others).
intervention. Sleep deficits can be ad - dressed with short-term psychopharma- cological agents; however, anxiolytics, antidepressants, and narcotics are not recommended for normal grief (Sadock et al., 2015). If therapy is warranted, the healthcare worker can provide options for treatment. Grief therapy (one-on-one or group sessions) and self-help groups have been found to be most beneficial for those mourning and unable to overcome grief, loss, or bereavement (Sadock et al., 2015). The healthcare worker can work with the client, family, and community to assess the availability of resources to sup- port the older adult.
While considering the cycle of grief and the various types of grief an older adult may experience, the healthcare worker should consider the symptoms of grief and their interference with functioning and relationships, the risk of self-harm or harm to others, and the symptoms of clin- ical depression when presenting appro- priate intervention. Most grief will resolve on its own accord without psychiatric in- tervention; however, a healthcare provid- er might be consulted for acute medical
CASE STUDY MS. P.
Ms. P. is a 68-year-old Caucasian female being seen by you in the mental health clinic. She recently lost her husband of 48 years. She barely talked at her appointment last week and has mostly been looking down at the floor avoiding eye contact. She reluctantly tells you that she overheard her children talking about housing options for her. She does not want to leave her home. Her husband drove her to all of her appointments and took care of all of her needs (groceries, medications, etc.). She has two married children who both live out of state. Her oldest daughter brought her to the visit today and is sit- ting in the lobby. Ms. P has a history of colon cancer (currently in remission), diabetes, hypertension, and depression. She takes oral medication for her elevated blood pressure, diabetes, and depression. Today she tells you that she feels empty, alone, and hopeless. Question 1 : What stage of grief is Ms. P in and what assessment criteria supports this? Commentary on question 1 : Ms. P is displaying signs that support the depres - sion stage (Kübler-Ross & Kessler, 2005). She is stating that she feels empty, alone, and hopeless after the loss of her husband and loss of access to groceries, medi- cations, and medical appointments. She is expressing concern that she might even be moved from her hme. Depression is also a clinical diagnosis. Further assessment would be warranted to determine her safety risk and the need to intervene or treat. Ms. P’s daughter is in the waiting area and can possibly provide clarity and insight into Ms. P’s current and future mental health needs.
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