Older Adults and PTSD (1 credit hour)

Program Summary:  The following course highlights research with military Veterans, and information for this course is provided by the National Center for PTSD and the US Department of Veterans Affairs.  This course explores PTSD in older adults and at the end of life and identifies clinical considerations for assessment and treatment.  The course describes how PTSD and aging may interact in new and challenging ways, resulting in the potential for older adults to experience an exacerbation of symptoms for several reasons.  Implications for end of life care are considered and strategies for the management of PTSD symptoms are included.

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, and therapists and is appropriate for beginning and intermediate levels of practice.

Reading #1:  Older Adults and PTSD, National Center for PTSD, VA;  Reading #2:   PTSD and End of Life: Clinical Considerations for PTSD in Palliative or Hospice Care; National Center for PTSD, VA.

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Course Objectives:  To enhance professional practice, values, skills and knowledge by examining clinical considerations for the assessment and treatment of PTSD in older adults.

Learning Objectives:  Describe the clinical presentation of PTSD in older adults and at the end of life, with special consideration for the military Veteran.  Identify considerations for the assessment and treatment of PTSD in older adults and at the end of life, with special consideration for the military Veteran.  Identify strategies for management of PTSD symptoms, with special consideration for the military Veteran.

Course Available Until: May 31, 2030.

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1: Reading #1// PTSD prevalence might be lower among older adults due to
 
 
 
 
2: Chronic pain is a common comorbidity of PTSD and the relationship between pain and PTSD may ________ with older age.
 
 
3: Which of the following is a consideration for tailoring assessment and treatment to older adults?
 
 
 
 
4: Reading #2//  Clinical literature and case studies have documented that Veterans with PTSD may have an _________ in symptoms while in palliative care.
 
 
5: Not engaging in decision-making processes, becoming more withdrawn and isolated are possible examples of which PTSD symptom?
 
 
 
 
 
6: When might a course of PTSD treatment NOT be the best fit?
 
 
 
 
7: Which of the following is NOT an environmental strategy for management of PTSD symptoms at EOL?
 
 
 
 
8: Which stage of the SPCC Model is especially appropriate for those who may live only days or weeks?
 
 
 
9: Which stage of the SPCC Model may be appropriate for a patient with months and years to live and willingness to discuss trauma?
 
 
 
10: Which of the following are considered first-line PTSD medications and may be appropriate for patients with PTSD at EOL?
 
 
 

In order to purchase or take this course, you will need to log in. If you do not have an account, you will need to register for a free account.

After you log in, a link will appear here that will allow you to purchase this course.

Review our pre-reading study guide.

G.M. Rydberg-Cox, MSW, LSCSW is the Continuing Education Director at Free State Social Work and responsible for the development of this course.  She received her Masters of Social Work in 1996 from the Jane Addams School of Social Work at the University of Illinois-Chicago and she has over 20 years of experience.  She has lived and worked as a social worker in Chicago, Boston, and Kansas City.  She has practiced for many years in the area of hospital/medical social work.  The reading materials for this course were developed by another organization.

Course Available Until: May 31, 2030.
Filed under: Aging, Clinical, Veterans