Improved education and training for nursing assistants: keys to promoting the mental health of nursing home residents.
The mental health of older adults contributes to their overall well-being. However, numerous studies have reported substantial prevalence of mental health problems, especially depression, in nursing home residents. Due to the poor quality of education and training provided to nursing home front-line caregivers, most of whom are nursing assistants, many residents experiencing depression are not recognized as such and consequently receive no treatment. Emphasizing the aging process and mental health components in education and training programs for nursing assistants could have a positive impact on the detection and treatment of depression in residents.
Glaister
Judy A
JA
Glaister and Associates, Galveston, Texas 77550, USA. judyglaister@yahoo.com
Blair
Charles
C
D000368:Aged; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing; D004506:Education, Nursing / Q000592:standards*; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013663:Teaching / Q000592:standards*