Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 36 No. 7 July 2010
By William J. Puentes, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC; Christine Bradway, PhD, RN; Melissa Aselage, MSN, RN, FNP-BC
ABSTRACT
Within the older adult population, certain idiosyncratic aspects of mental illness add to the challenges of helping clients manage these disorders. Older adults are more likely than younger populations to experience physiologically based comorbidities, a dynamic that further strains coping capacities. Barriers to the provision of comprehensive mental health nursing care for older adults include myths and stigmas about aging and mental health. Nurse educators are challenged to move students toward a more positive, empirically based approach to the care of older adults’ mental health. In this article, background information supporting the importance of working to improve students’ knowledge of and attitudes toward mental illness in older adults is provided. Specific teaching strategies in the areas of older adult mental health, dementia, and delirium are discussed. Resources to support the incorporation of these strategies into nursing curricula are described.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr. Puentes is Associate Professor, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, Stratford, New Jersey; Dr. Bradway is Assistant Professor of Gerontological Nursing, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Ms. Aselage is Lecturer and 2009-2011 John A. Hartford Foundation Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Predoctoral Scholar, University of North Carolina Wilmington School of Nursing, Wilmington, North Carolina.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. Ms. Aselage acknowledges the generous support of the John A. Hartford Foundation Building Academic Geriatric Nursing Capacity Scholar program.
Address correspondence to William J. Puentes, PhD, RN, PMHCNS-BC, Associate Professor, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey, School of Nursing, University Educational Center, 40 East Laurel Road, Suite 2025, Stratford, NJ 08084; e-mail: wpuentes@verizon.net.
Accepted: May 12, 2010
Posted: June 22, 2010
doi:10.3928/00989134-20100528-99
