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Psychology of Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp
Join clinical psychologist, Dr. Regina Koepp, and expert guests as they share expert insights surrounding mental health and aging, sexual health in older adulthood, dementia, caregiving, and end of life. Each episode contains evidence-based information and resources to help you deepen your understanding of mental health and aging. Good news! For some episodes, you earn continuing education credits at the same time! Visit us as www.mentalhealthandaging.com to learn more about meeting the mental health needs of older adults.
Psychology of Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp
Supporting Older Adults After Disasters: A Guide to Psychological Recovery
#111- Imagine being 85 or 95 years old, surviving a natural disaster like wildfires, hurricanes, or earthquakes, and facing the immense challenge of grieving your losses while navigating emotional and psychological recovery.
Older adults often show remarkable resilience, but unique challenges like chronic health conditions, isolation, and cognitive vulnerabilities can complicate the recovery process.
In this episode, I discuss how to support older adults following disasters, highlighting common reactions, risk factors, and effective strategies for fostering psychological recovery.
Key Takeaways
- Common Reactions: Emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioral responses older adults may experience after a disaster, and how these differ from typical stress reactions.
- Vulnerability Factors: Chronic health conditions, social isolation, and financial challenges that can exacerbate distress.
- Resilience in Older Adults: How past experiences often enhance older adults' ability to recover.
- Practical Strategies: Building trust, fostering community connections, accessing resources, and recognizing when professional mental health care is needed.
- Resources for Support: Key tools like SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline and local Area Agencies on Aging.
Resources Mentioned
- Trauma-Informed Care with Older Adults Guide
- Helping Older Adults After Disasters: A Guide by SAMHSA
- Differentiating Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Unique Considerations for Older Adults
- Helping Older Adults Prepare for Disasters: Essential Resources & Tips
- SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- National Crisis Hotline for Mental Health: 988
- Find Your local Area Agency on Aging
FREE RESOURCE
If you’re supporting older adults recovering from a disaster, don’t forget to download my Trauma-Informed Care Guide for Older Adults. Together, we can provide the compassionate care older adults need to recover and thrive.
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It's only with your help that we can meet the mental health needs of older adults. So, thank you for being here and doing your part.
Link to the show notes page here:
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