Counseling for Elderly

Counseling for Elderly
Dr. Nasreen Rustomfram, Associate Professor (Retired) from Tata Institute of Social Sciences, in a conversation with Healthy Wrinkles, explains Counseling for Elderly. Geriatric counseling plays a pivotal role in supporting senior citizens facing various life events and challenges. In this insightful article, we delve into the essence of geriatric counseling, its misconceptions, and the critical role it plays in the lives of older adults.

Understanding Geriatric Counseling
Geriatric counseling is a collaborative effort between a professional counselor and a senior citizen to address life events and challenges. Contrary to popular belief, it's not confined to individuals above 60. While the UN defines seniors as those aged 60 and above for legal reasons, geriatric counseling encompasses individuals facing significant life changes, irrespective of age.

Life Events and Coping
Life events like the empty nest phenomenon, retirement, loss of a spouse, or the onset of illness can occur before the age of 60. Dr. emphasizes that geriatric counseling is not limited to a specific age; it's about providing support during critical life junctures. Coping with these events becomes essential, and counseling becomes a valuable resource during periods of overwhelm.

Developmental vs. Therapeutic Counseling 
Geriatric counseling is developmental, addressing predictable life events such as retirement or elder care. However, it can also be therapeutic, focusing on more intense issues like Alzheimer's or depression. She highlights the normalcy of these life events and underscores the importance of counseling as both a developmental and therapeutic solution.

Who Recommends Geriatric Counseling? 
In most cases, caregivers are the primary advocates for geriatric counseling. Unfortunately, the medical profession tends to overlook counseling, preferring psychiatric interventions. She acknowledges the reluctance within the medical community but emphasizes that counseling offers a healthier and holistic alternative to psychiatric drugs.

The Path Forward
While some medical professionals are recognizing the benefits of early counseling intervention, there's still work to be done. The article encourages a shift in perspective within the medical community to embrace counseling as a proactive and healthier approach to mental health issues in older adults.

Conclusion
Geriatric counseling is a dynamic and invaluable resource for seniors navigating life's challenges. Regardless of age, individuals facing significant life events can benefit from counseling. As we unravel the complexities of geriatric counseling, it becomes clear that fostering awareness and bridging gaps in the medical community can enhance the overall well-being of our older population.

This article serves as an informative guide to geriatric counseling, incorporating essential keywords for search engine optimization and providing a holistic view of its significance in supporting seniors through life's transitions.

Whether you are searching for informative articles, or looking for healthcare providers, Healthywrinkles is an excellent resource for all your senior care needs. We also have a great compilation of all the medical expert talks for healthy aging on Healthy Wrinkle YouTube channel.

Disclaimer: Healthy Wrinkles does not recommend or offer any medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. The information provided here is only for the awareness of disease or ailment among individuals, caregivers, and the public‌. The advice of doctors, licensed professionals, or therapists who are knowledgeable about your particular situation should always be sought before using the information provided here. It should also not be used in the event of a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. If you want urgent assistance, contact a qualified medical professional. Additionally, the information represents the author's views and not those of Healthy Wrinkles.