Navigating the Holidays: Tips for Older Adults

The holiday season, while often filled with joy and cheer, can also sometimes be a challenging time for older adults. The hustle and bustle, social pressures, and changing family dynamics can contribute to feelings of stress, loneliness, and anxiety. Grief can also be very heavy during the holiday season. As a psychologist, I've worked with many older adults who have found ways to navigate these challenges and embrace the holiday spirit.

Here are some tips to help older adults enjoy the season:

1. Set Realistic Expectations

• Avoid Overcommitting: It's okay to say no to invitations or obligations that may feel overwhelming. Asking ahead about accessibility can also help with this (for example, folks with mobility needs might want to know whether a host’s home has 20 steps to get into the front door).

• Pace Yourself: Spread out holiday activities over a longer period to avoid feeling rushed or exhausted. For example, if you’re baking or cooking, do parts as early as possible, and complete the work over several days, giving yourself plenty of time to rest if you need it.

• Prioritize: Focus on the most important traditions and activities that bring you joy. I have often talked with patients about the fact that “no” is a complete sentence!

2. Manage Stress and Anxiety

• Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness techniques like meditation or deep breathing to reduce stress and anxiety. The best way to start a mindfulness practice is to practice daily at a set time to build the skill into your routine.

• Seek Social Support: Spend time with loved ones who provide positive and supportive company.

• Limit Stressors: Reduce exposure to stressful situations, such as crowded shopping malls or noisy parties.

3. Adapt Traditions

• Modify Traditions: If certain traditions become too difficult, stressful, or too painful because of grief, consider modifying them or creating new ones.

• Embrace New Experiences: Be open to trying new things and creating new holiday memories.

• Focus on the Positive: Shift your focus from what you can't do to what you can.

4. Stay Connected

• Virtual Connections: Use technology to stay connected with loved ones who live far away. Watch a tutorial on how to use Zoom or Facetime if you haven’t learned yet, or ask a family member or friend for help if you need it.

• Join Social Groups: Participate in social groups or clubs to meet new people and form friendships.

• Volunteer: Giving back to the community can provide a sense of purpose and connection.

5. Prioritize Self-Care

• Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.

• Eat Healthy: Maintain a balanced diet to support your physical and mental health.

• Exercise Regularly: Engage in regular physical activity to boost your mood and energy levels. Even simple movement is good for us!

• Seek Professional Help: If you're struggling with feelings of depression, anxiety, grief, or loneliness, which are often worse for people during the holidays, consider seeking therapy or counseling for support.

Common Challenges and Strategies

• Loneliness: Spend time with loved ones, join social groups, volunteer, or consider getting a pet.

• Financial Stress: Create a budget, avoid impulse purchases, opt for homemade gifts like cookies, communicate with family and friends about budget boundaries, and seek assistance from social services if needed.

• Health Concerns: Consult with your doctor to manage any health conditions and create a holiday plan that accommodates your needs. 

• Grief and Loss: Allow yourself to grieve, seek support from loved ones or a grief counselor, and participate in memorial rituals to remember loved ones.

Start Therapy for Older Adults in Los Angeles, CA

Remember, the holidays are a time for joy and connection, but they can be particularly hard for older adults if loss, loneliness, disability, health concerns, or stress become overwhelming. Prioritize self-care this season! Dr. Reger can help you and your loved ones make the most of the holiday season. Start your therapy journey by following these steps:

1. Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment

2. Meet with Dr. Reger

3. Start finding joy this holiday season!

Other Services Offered with Dr. Stacy Reger in Los Angeles, CA

Counseling for older adults isn’t the only service offered by Dr. Stacy Reger. Other services include capacity assessments and a variety of neuropsychological and psychological assessments. Other assessments include cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, I also provide individual therapy, and mental health consultations and presentations. Visit my blog for more help today!

A Pre-Surgical Psych Evaluation Does Not Make You Crazy!

If you’ve been asked to undergo a pre-surgical psychological evaluation, it might seem a bit odd. After all, you’re about to have a physical procedure, not an emotional one. However, your mental health plays a significant role in your overall well-being, especially during periods of stress like surgery. Here is some info to help you understand why your surgeon might want a pre-surgical psychological evaluation, and to reassure you that it is NOT because they think you are crazy!

Pre-surgical psychological evaluations are designed to:

1. Assess Psychological Readiness: This involves evaluating your emotional state, coping mechanisms, and expectations about the surgery and recovery process. Realistic expectations are a very important part of undergoing surgery, and particularly a surgery that can have emotional implications, like a spinal cord stimulator placement surgery, transplant surgery, or bariatric surgery.

2. Identify Potential Risks: The evaluation helps identify any underlying mental health conditions that might complicate your recovery or increase the risk of post-surgical complications. A mental health history does not mean you can’t have a surgery! It may mean you and your surgical team need to get support in place before or after the procedure in order to have the best chance of success.

3. Optimize Post-Surgical Outcomes: By addressing any psychological concerns beforehand, the goal is to improve your overall recovery experience. 

What to Expect During the Evaluation

A pre-surgical psychological evaluation is typically a straightforward process. Here's what you can expect:

1. Clinical Interview: This is the core of the evaluation. Your psychologist will ask you questions about your:

• Medical History: This includes past surgeries, chronic illnesses, and any medications you’re taking.

• Mental Health History: This involves discussing any history of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or other mental health conditions.

• Social Support: Your psychologist will assess your support system, including family, friends, and caregivers.

• Coping Strategies: They’ll explore how you typically cope with stress and challenges.

• Expectations and Concerns: You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your feelings about the surgery, any worries you have, and your hopes for recovery.

2. Psychological Testing: In some cases, your psychologist may administer psychological tests to assess specific cognitive functions, mood, or personality traits. These tests are typically brief and straightforward, not designed to “trick” you, but to get a good sense of your psychological wellbeing, any symptoms or distress you may be experiencing, and the best ways to support you in your surgical process.

Common Myths About Pre-Surgical Psych Evals

Let’s debunk some common misconceptions about pre-surgical psychological evaluations:

• Myth 1: It’s a Sign of Weakness: Seeking psychological support is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows that you’re proactive about your health and well-being, and the research is clear that good coping and psychological stability are predictors of better surgical outcomes for many types of surgeries!

• Myth 2: It’s a Long and Tedious Process: Most pre-surgical evaluations are relatively brief, usually lasting an hour or two.

• Myth 3: It’s a Test of Sanity: The goal of the evaluation is not to judge your mental health but to understand your psychological strengths and vulnerabilities, so you are well prepared for surgery.

• Myth 4: It’s a Waste of Time: By addressing potential psychological issues before surgery, you can improve your chances of a smoother recovery. If you do have mental health symptoms that need to be addressed, it’s really important to do that prior to going through a major stressor like surgery. This can be the difference between a great recovery and a poor recovery requiring more intensive treatment down the road.

How to Prepare for Your Evaluation

To make the most of your pre-surgical psychological evaluation, consider the following tips:

• Be Honest: Open and honest communication with your psychologist is crucial. Don’t be afraid to share your concerns, fears, and hopes. We are not here to judge you or trick you into saying something you don’t want to say. We are here to support you as a member of your team, and provide feedback and resources that will help you in your journey.

• Gather Information: Bring any relevant medical records, including past psychological evaluations or treatment records. These can be really helpful in a presurgical psych eval.

• Write Down Questions: Prepare a list of questions you’d like to ask your psychologist. This is good advice for any doctor’s appointment, especially as you prep for surgery and have many appointments with different specialists. I always recommend having a notebook or a note on your phone where you keep track of your questions and answers, instructions, and to-dos from medical appointments.

• Relax: Try to approach the evaluation with a calm and open mind. Remember, it’s an opportunity to address any concerns and improve your overall well-being.

Start a Pre-Surgical Los Angeles Psych Evaluation Today

A pre-surgical psychological evaluation is a valuable tool for ensuring a successful surgical outcome. By understanding your psychological strengths and weaknesses, you can work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized plan for a smooth and speedy recovery. And hopefully, this information makes it clear that being referred for a presurgical psychological evaluation does not make you crazy! Dr. Reger can offer support with psych evaluations and other forms of support. Start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:

1. Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule an appointment

2. Meet with Dr. Reger

3. Start the surgical process!

Other Services Offered By Dr. Stacy Reger in Los Angeles, CA

Pre-surgical evaluations are not the only service offered by my Los Angeles, CA-based practice. I am happy to offer capacity assessments, neuropsychological and psychological assessments, and cognitive and dementia testing. I’m also happy to provide med-legal evaluations, individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations. Visit my blog for more help today!

A Psychologist's Primer on Testamentary Capacity for Lawyers

Understanding the Mind Behind the Will

As a psychologist with special expertise in working with older adults and assessing financial capacity, I often find myself at the intersection of law and mental health. I have spoken to many attorneys working with elder law and trusts who have questions about when their clients may need a capacity assessment by a psychologist. As you know, testamentary capacity is a legal concept that hinges on an individual's mental state at the time of creating a will. While lawyers are experts in the legal nuances, understanding the psychological underpinnings of testamentary capacity can provide valuable insights, and there are often complex situations where formal testing is necessary.

What is Testamentary Capacity?

Testamentary capacity refers to a person's mental ability to execute a valid will. It involves a complex interplay of cognitive functions, emotional stability, and understanding of the implications of one's decisions. To possess testamentary capacity, an individual must generally:

1. Understand the Nature and Extent of Their Property: This includes recognizing their assets and debts. While precise accounting isn't necessary, a general awareness is crucial.

2. Know Their Natural Objects of Bounty: This refers to identifying the individuals who would naturally inherit their property, such as family members or close friends.

3. Appreciate the Disposition They Wish to Make: This involves understanding the specific provisions of the will, including who receives what and why.

Psychological Factors Influencing Testamentary Capacity

Several psychological factors can impact a person's testamentary capacity. These include:

Cognitive Impairment:

Conditions like dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or traumatic brain injury can significantly impair cognitive functions, making it difficult to meet the requirements of testamentary capacity.

Mental Illness:

Severe psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, can distort reality and impair judgment, potentially affecting a person's ability to make sound decisions about their estate. With age, these mental health diagnoses also bring an increased risk of cognitive decline, so there may be a complex interplay between mental health and cognitive symptoms.

Substance Abuse:

Excessive alcohol or drug use can impair cognitive function and judgment, making it difficult to meet the requirements of testamentary capacity. Again, when there is a substance or alcohol use problem combined with aging, the psychological interaction can be complex and affect capacity.

Delirium:

A temporary state of confusion and disorientation, often caused by illness or medication, can impair a person's ability to understand the implications of their decisions. Thankfully, delirium is reversible, though it is a medical emergency because some causes of delirium can be life-threatening if left untreated. For example, delirium can be caused by infections, vitamin deficiencies, medication reactions, unstable blood sugar, or other serious medical issues. A person lacks capacity when they are in a state of delirium, of course, but usually in these cases, a person returns to their baseline once the medical issue is stable.

Undue Influence:

This occurs when a person exerts excessive pressure or coercion on another to influence their decision-making, potentially undermining their testamentary capacity. Older adults, especially those with mild cognitive impairments or disabilities that increase their dependence on others, are at risk for undue influence by opportunistic people who are willing to exploit those vulnerabilities for financial gain.

Assessing Testamentary Capacity

Assessing testamentary capacity is a complex task that often requires a multidisciplinary approach. While lawyers play a crucial role in the legal process, consulting with a psychologist can provide valuable insights. I have learned of a few situations in which lawyers have tried to do their own “in-house” capacity assessments, which is quite concerning, given that attorneys are not qualified to administer and interpret medical tests, perform clinical interviews, or make medical recommendations. To avoid this troubling ethical pitfall, lawyers would be wise to enlist the opinion of a good psychologist with expertise in capacity assessment to complete that piece of the testamentary puzzle!

Here are some key aspects of the psychologist’s approach to assessing testamentary capacity:

• Clinical Interview: A psychologist performs a detailed interview to help assess cognitive function, emotional state, and understanding of the will-making process, as well as gaining a good understanding of someone’s history, values, and behavioral patterns.

• Neuropsychological Testing: Specific tests can measure cognitive abilities such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. There are also really useful tests that examine financial management skills, independent living skills, and safety awareness (including financial safety), so we can get a sense of someone’s practical abilities in the realm being assessed.

• Medical Records Review: Reviewing medical records can provide information about the individual's medical history, including any conditions that may impact their mental capacity.

• Observation of Behavior: Observing the individual's behavior, including their interactions with others and their decision-making process, can provide valuable clues.

The Role of Lawyers in Protecting Testamentary Capacity

Lawyers play a vital role in ensuring that wills are executed legally and ethically. When concerns about a client's testamentary capacity arise, lawyers should consider the following:

• Thorough Client Interview: Conduct a detailed interview to assess the client's understanding of their assets, beneficiaries, and the implications of their decisions.

• Documentation: Document all interactions with the client, including any concerns about their mental capacity.

• Consult with Experts: If necessary, consult with a psychologist to obtain a formal assessment of the client's capacity. As I noted above, I do not recommend trying to circumvent or “shortcut” this part of the process, because capacity assessment takes a great deal of training, knowledge, and clinical skill that psychologists uniquely possess.

• Consider Undue Influence: Be vigilant for signs of undue influence, such as pressure from family members or caregivers.

• Ethical Considerations: Adhere to ethical guidelines and prioritize the best interests of the client.

Start A Testamentary Capacity Assessment in Los Angeles, CA

By understanding the psychological factors that can influence testamentary capacity, lawyers can better protect their client's interests and ensure that their wishes are carried out. Dr. Reger can equip lawyers with the info necessary to accomplish this goal. You can start the assessment process by following these simple steps:

1. Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment

2. Meet with Dr. Reger

3. Start experiencing the collaborative benefits!

Other Services Offered By Dr. Stacy Reger in Los Angeles, CA

Capacity assessments are not the only service offered by my Redondo Beach-based practice. I’m also happy to offer multiple neuropsychological and psychological assessments. Other assessments include cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition to evaluations, I also provide individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations. Visit my blog for more help today!

Psychologists and Lawyers: A Collaborative Partnership

The fields of psychology and law may seem disparate at first glance, but they share a common ground in the focus on human behavior and decision-making. Psychologists and lawyers often work together to understand and address complex legal issues, providing valuable insights and expertise. As a psychologist who does psychological, neuropsychological, and capacity assessment, I often interact with lawyers for cases, and I wanted to share a bit about the important link between these professions.

The Role of Psychologists in Legal Proceedings

Psychologists can play a variety of roles in legal proceedings, providing expert testimony, conducting psychological assessments, and offering consultation services. Here are some of the key areas in which psychologists can contribute:

Forensic Psychology:

Forensic psychologists specialize in applying psychological principles to legal matters. They may be involved in cases involving criminal behavior, child custody disputes, or personal injury claims. Forensic psychologists can provide expert testimony on topics such as mental state, competency to stand trial, and the reliability of eyewitness testimony.

Child Custody Evaluations:

Psychologists can conduct comprehensive evaluations to determine the best interests of a child in custody disputes. They may assess the child's emotional well-being, parental fitness, and the child's preferences.

Personal Injury Cases:

In personal injury cases, psychologists can evaluate the psychological impact of an injury on the plaintiff's life. They may assess factors such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a psychologist who has worked with disability and trauma for many years, I bring particular expertise to the personal injury and disability cases I see in collaboration with attorneys.

Expert Witness Testimony:

Psychologists can provide expert testimony in various legal proceedings, offering their specialized knowledge and insights to the court. 

The Benefits of Collaboration Between Psychologists and Lawyers

The collaboration between psychologists and lawyers can offer significant benefits to both parties and to the justice system as a whole. Here are some of the key advantages:

Improved Understanding of Human Behavior:

Psychologists can provide lawyers with a deeper understanding of human behavior, motivations, and decision-making processes. This can help lawyers develop effective legal strategies and arguments. I have assisted in cases by providing education about traumatic brain injury, financial capacity, PTSD, and other psychological concepts in the past.

Enhanced Case Analysis:

Psychologists can assist lawyers in analyzing cases by providing insights into the psychological factors that may be relevant. This can help identify potential strengths and weaknesses in a case.

Strengthened Advocacy:

Psychologists can provide lawyers with the evidence and expertise needed to advocate effectively on behalf of their clients. This can increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Improved Justice:

By working together, psychologists and lawyers can contribute to a more just and equitable legal system. Psychologists can help ensure that legal decisions are based on a sound understanding of human behavior and psychology.

Challenges and Considerations

While the collaboration between psychologists and lawyers can be highly beneficial, there are also some challenges and considerations that come up:

Communication Barriers:

Psychologists and lawyers may have different professional languages and perspectives, which can sometimes lead to communication difficulties. It is important for both parties to be open-minded and willing to learn from each other.

Ethical Considerations:

Psychologists must adhere to ethical guidelines when working with lawyers. This includes ensuring the confidentiality of client information and maintaining professional boundaries. It is also important for psychologists to base their opinions on the data and evidence, not what the attorney wants the data to say, which can cause friction at times.

Competence:

It is essential for psychologists to have the necessary training and expertise to provide effective assistance in legal matters. Lawyers should also be knowledgeable about the role of psychologists in the legal system.

Meet with a Los Angeles Psychologist For Support TOday!

The collaboration between psychologists and lawyers is a valuable partnership that can contribute to the justice system. By working together, psychologists and lawyers can promote a more equitable and just legal system. Dr. Reger can offer support for lawyers and clients with a variety of services. You can start the process of meeting with her by following these simple steps:

1. Contact (424) 262-1925 to schedule your appointment

2. Meet with Dr. Reger

3. Start experiencing the collaborative benefits!

Other Services Offered By Dr. Stacy Reger in Los Angeles, CA

As a therapist, I am happy to offer a variety of services in support of your mental health and more. I offer neuropsychological assessments in addition to ADHD testing, capacity assessments, neuropsychological and psychological assessments, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. In addition, I also offer counseling for older adults, individual therapy, and mental health consultations and presentations. Visit my blog for more help today!