Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

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Monday, March 5, 2007




Target Audience

This two day conference offers the latest in policy and practice related to elder behavioral healthcare issues and is targeted to Aging Network Staff, Addiction Professionals, Nurses, ARNPs, Elder Consumers and Caregivers, Guardians, Marriage and Family Therapists, Mental Health Counselors, Social Workers, Nursing Home Administrators, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Geriatric Specialists, Home Health Aides, Clergy, and others interested in quality behavioral health care for older adults. CEC's will be available.

Goals and Objectives

The goal of the 9th Annual Conference is to provide a unique conference experience focusing on the behavioral health care needs of older Floridians and their families, including information on innovative clinical and program interventions, new State initiatives, and demonstrated best practices related to aging, mental health and substance abuse issues. Attendees will be provided opportunities to improve conceptualization and treatment skills with older adults in sessions that address:

  • the prevalence of co-morbid medical and mental disorders in older persons, and practical interventions “bridging the gap” between services,
  • amelioration of grief and loss in clients’ lives as well as our own,
  • evidence-based, innovative approaches to the assessment, treatment, and prevention of substance abuse in older adults,
  • the myths and facts of aging and sexuality,
  • the role of spirituality in the behavioral health care of older adults and their families,
  • the “real world” implications of Baker Act use (involuntary examination) with older adults,
  • the value of developing mental health and aging coalitions,
  • the signs and symptoms of clinical depression and effective interventions with African American elders,
  • encouraging elders to accept referrals to mental health and substance abuse services,
  • recognizing “compassion fatigue”, its harmful effects, and how to protect oneself,
  • the benefits and limitations of memory enhancement products and programs,
  • the mental health impact hurricanes have on an older population and suggestions for preparation, response, and recovery,
  • knowledge and skills in helping elder victims in their emotional recovery from abuse,
  • a holistic elder law approach to serving older adults’ and disabled individuals’ legal needs,
  • basic principles and application of psychotherapy with older adults in the community and long term care settings,
  • the use of storytelling as a therapeutic tool in making sense of one’s life,
  • an older adult anti-stigma campaign model relative to mental health and substance abuse, and
  • medication management for elders with emotional problems.

If you or your organization is interested in providing financial support for this conference, please visit our exhibitor/sponsor page.



Contributor: Don Phillips
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