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WORKING WITH OLDER ADULTS: Mental Health, Cognitive Impairment and addressing Behavioural Challenges

Date: 25 May 2016

Australia, New South Wales, Sydney

Within the next 35 years, the number of Australians aged 60 and over is expected to grow by approximately 80% (Kowal, Towers, & Byles, 2014). This will require the healthcare workforce to prepare by understanding the numerous medical and psychological issues unique to older adults. As in many other countries, the vast majority of health care for older adults in Australia is provided in a home setting rather than in institutions. This presents a challenge. Direct care workers and informal caregivers alike should be educated on the complex medical and psychological issues that older adults face.

This presentation is aimed at providing direct care workers, informal caregivers, and others invested in the community-based care of older adults (e.g, administrators, public policymakers) with knowledge about some of the most common and challenging mental health and dementia-related issues.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Andrew Heck, Psy.D, ABPP, is an experienced presenter and clinician within the field of geriatric psychology. A licensed clinical psychologist in Virginia, USA, Dr Heck currently works as the Director of Clinical Services and the Research Director at Piedmont Geriatric Hospital in Burkeville, Virginia. Dr Heck is board-certified in Geropsychology and in Clinical Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology, and he is a founding member of the American Board of Geropsychology’s Board of Directors. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Gerontology at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and holds Clinical faculty appointments in the Psychiatry, Pharmacy, and Psychology Departments at VCU as well.

He has published extensively in the academic journals on various topics related to neurocognitive disorders in the elderly, dementia, geriatric ethics, aggressive behaviours in the elderly and the recovery model in aged care. In addition to his work at Piedmont Geriatric Hospital, Dr Heck provides consultation, training and clinical services to assisted living and nursing facilities, both Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF). He has testified as an expert witness on geriatric-forensic issues and has provided assistance to legal professionals regarding capacity and competency issues. Dr Heck also specializes in geropsychological assessment, differential diagnosis of dementia, behavioural treatment, severe mental illness in the elderly and the Recovery model in mental health.

He is a dynamic, entertaining and engaging speaker who uses clinical examples to facilitate the practical application of his methods. The enthusiastic and passionate speaker he is, he’s known for his ability to infuse humour and heart into his work with older individuals and those who provide their care.

Duration: 9.15am - 4.30pm

Venue: SMC Conference & Function Centre, 66 Goulburn Street, Sydney

Brochure: Download

Fees:
EARLY BIRD RATE: $335 per person
(payment prior to 17 March 2016)

STANDARD RATE: $355 per person

Language: English

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*Psychology Matters Asia is not the organizer of the posted event. If you have any enquires, please direct them to the contact in the information.

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