Presenter:  Dr. Thomas Weiss, Geriatric Psychologist

Loneliness can be described as the discrepancy between a person's desired and actual social relationship. It's a unique situation in which a person perceives themselves to be socially isolated even when among other people. This condition causes a person to be irritable, depressed, self-centered, and can lead to a 29% increase in premature mortality. It's estimated that 1/3 of the population suffers from loneliness and is especially prevalent among seniors.

Dr. Weiss's presentation will help you to better understand this widespread condition with the following information:

• How to Diagnose Loneliness
• The Risk Factors 
• Health Effects 
• The Biology of Loneliness
• Treatment Options 

"Loneliness breaks the spirit." - Jewish Proverb

This video presents a follow-up question and answer session to Part 1 of Grief and Loss. Here, Nancy Reeves, PhD, a clinical psychologist, spiritual director, and author specializing in trauma and elderly loss and grief, responds to questions from participants. 

Suicide and seniors is a devastating but common occurrence. It’s a delicate topic that can be difficult to address but cannot be ignored. In this video, we discuss how to recognize the warning signs of suicide in seniors and how to create an environment that promotes mental health. The video also helps caregivers understand who may be at risk within a senior community and what crisis response measures can be deployed to prevent suicide in seniors.

For people of all ages and especially the elderly, loss and grief are holistic. They can result in suffering that is physical, mental, emotional. If not dealt with holistically, pain can be pushed inward, creating anger and bitterness. As caregivers, we must connect emotionally with the people we care for, and especially with dealing with elderly loss and grief. We must provide care that incorporates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual components. Presented by a spiritual director and author who specializes in trauma, grief, and loss, this video explains how to create holistic care plans so loss and grief can be worked through, and do not become an “expensive emotion.”

When people are put in a situation where they must leave the homes they know and move into a one-bedroom apartment or room in assisted living, everything takes on a new significance. There is a tremendous loss, and for many, a sense that a nursing home is the last resort. But that simply isn’t so. This video depicts “Living in a nursing home: A new beginning,” and how people in nursing homes can live productive, happy lives.