Aging with a severe mental illness: challenges and treatments.
Severe mental illness (SMI) impacts many different facets of individuals' lives. As they age, those with SMI experience increased physical illnesses, functional impairment, cognitive deficits, and social disability. To promote more effective social work practice with this population, this article highlights the major biopsychosocial and family issues of aging with a psychiatric diagnosis. In addition, intervention approaches that have demonstrated efficacy are summarized along with ways to coordinate services across multiple service delivery sectors. Finally, future directions in practice and research are presented to develop additional methods of support for older adults with SMI and their families.
College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, 193E Polk Avenue, Nashville, TN 37210, USA. scumming@utk.edu
Sherry M
SM
Cummings
Nancy P
NP
Kropf
D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D019058:Community Networks; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012947:Social Work / Q000379:methods*