Mental Health Problems of the Aging


 

Publication Date: December 1956

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America

Author(s): Abramam S. Lenzner

Research Area: Health

Keywords: Elderly; Social Services; Mental Health; Institutional Care

Type: Report

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

While some have said that the elderly cannot be treated for mental health problems psychiatrically, the author argues that the elderly fall into the same categories for treatability as any other age group. Senile and psychotic reactions in the elderly are often reversible and virtually curable, given the proper treatment facility, the author asserts. He provides examples from his professional experience. The author contends that the image of nursing homes as "places to die" must be replaced by a model of communities or other settings for elderly people to feel valued, respected and needed.

In Journal of Jewish Communal Service, ed. by Sanford Sherman, v.33, no.2, Winter 1956, p.147-152.