Full Description:   

A much needed practical nursing text addressing the complex problems posed by the growing number of elderly people with mental health problems. The book can be used as an everyday companion for qualified nurses or for teaching health care assistants and students about practical interventions, therapeutic approaches and for developing knowledge and attitudes. Wider issues are considered, including the care continuum through acute to continuing care, and different care environments.

softcover

This small book addresses common mental health needs and underlying myths and stereotypes that influence meeting the needs of elderly patients. The purpose, as stated in the foreword, is to clarify ""some of the attributes of expert nursing which take place with older people who have mental health needs."" This book is intended as an ""everyday companion for registered nurses, as well as a useful resource for teaching health assistants and students."" Given such an audience, it is written at the appropriate level. Key features of this book include: practical advice for dealing with everyday problems; an in depth examination of common mental health problems, to improve understanding of clients' needs; and a positive approach challenging stereotypical views and giving guidance for good care practices. The major strength of this book is the extraordinarily positive approach to some very challenging clinical care issues in meeting the mental health needs of the elderly -- a major feat! However, the chapters are written unevenly, and most have outdated references (before 1994), while others consist of contemporary citations (since 1995). The most important limitation however, is that the book fails to provide adequate detail for enabling basic practitioners of nursing to obtain the skills and knowledge necessary for dealing practically with these care issues. This book is written clearly and at the appropriate level for the target audience. Moreover, excellent academic discussions of the various common mental health needs of this patient population are provided.