LAI416 - Suicide Prevention and Screening for Substance Misuse in the Elderly

Presented on October 17, 2024

Suicide, ideation, and self-harm among older adults are highly prevalent yet minimally researched and uncomfortably discussed topics in the United States. Older adults often exhibit many primary risk factors, including mental illness (especially depression and grief/loss), medical illness, impaired coping skills, social disconnectedness, and functional impairment. Additionally, substance use disorders are a significant issue within this population. As the number of elderly individuals grows, we can expect an increase in substance-related problems and depression leading to suicidal thoughts or attempts. Life transitions, such as changes in housing for oneself or a spouse, exacerbate these risks, making the transition to assisted living or long-term care a crucial time for screening and intervention. 

It is important for clinicians to be knowledgeable about the clinical presentation, screening methods, and risk assessment as the goal is for timely interventions and referral to appropriate care so life can be preserved. This webinar will discuss the prevalence of suicidality in senior living, the signs and behaviors indicating elevated risk for suicide and substance abuse, screening tools, and intervention strategies during this pivotal time. 

Objectives

• Define the scope of the problem related to suicide and substance abuse in seniors. 
• Identify risk factors, warning signs, and common substance use disorders. 
• Discuss the process of screening, brief interventions, and referral to treatment for elders with substance use disorders and suicidal ideation. 
• Describe important actions in suicide prevention during the transition to residential communities. 

Faculty

Kathleen Weissberg, OTD, OTR/L, Education Director. Select Rehabilitation

Who Should Attend
Administrators, Nurses, Department Heads, Social Workers, Activity Professionals, Direct Care Professionals, and other team members.  Appropriate for all provider types including nursing home, assisted living, adult day services, and independent living.

Continuing Education Credit

• Social Services – The event is designed to provide 1.0 contact hour, aligning with the criteria set by the Iowa Board of Examiners for Social Workers for participants who attend the entire event. Please note that partial credit will not be granted; full attendance is required to receive contact hours or a certificate of attendance. LAI will verify electronic virtual sign-in and sign-out times before issuing certificates.

• Activity Professionals – This session has been approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections & Appeals for 1.0 contact hour for Certified Activity Professionals who attend this session in its entirety.  Partial credit for this session will not be granted. To receive contact hours or a certificate of attendance, you must attend the entire session.
• LAI Assisted Living Manager Recertification – Participants who attend the entire event will be eligible for 1.0 contact hour. Please note that partial credit will not be granted; full attendance is required to receive contact hours or a certificate of attendance. LAI will verify electronic virtual sign-in and sign-out times before issuing certificates.

• Iowa Board of Nursing Provider #67 – LeadingAge Iowa is an approved provider of continuing education for nurses, accredited by the Iowa Board of Nursing (Provider No. 67). Participants who attend the event in its entirety will be eligible for 1.0 contact hour. Please note that partial credit will not be granted; you must attend the entire event to receive contact hours or a certificate of attendance. LAI will verify electronic virtual sign-in and sign-out times before issuing certificates. Evaluations for this event can be submitted directly to the Iowa Board of Nursing.

• Nursing Home Administrators – The event is designed to provide 1.0 contact hour, aligning with the criteria set by the Iowa Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators for participants who attend the entire event. Please note that partial credit will not be granted; full attendance is required to receive contact hours or a certificate of attendance. LAI will verify electronic virtual sign-in and sign-out times before issuing certificates.

Registration Information
This program recording is approximately 60 minutes in length. Registration fees include access to the recording and handouts for this program, as well as a CEU/attendance certificate for one user. Once you purchase the program, unlimited viewing of the recording content will be available using the registrant login information for 30 days.