The Benefits of Therapy for Older Adults

Therapy is a general term for a variety of interventions that can help people improve their mental, emotional, and behavioral health. There are several types of mental health professionals who provide psychotherapy, including psychologists (who have doctorate degrees), and masters-level providers like Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs) or Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs). Psychotherapy can be beneficial for people of all ages, including older adults. Therapy can be a valuable resource for older adults who are facing challenges in their lives, or who want to explore patterns, deal with emotions, or improve relationships.

Common Reasons Older Adults Seek Therapy

Older adults face a few unique challenges that can lead them to consider therapy.  Some of these include:

• Coping with physical and mental health changes. As we age, our bodies and minds change in many ways. These changes can sometimes lead to problems, such as chronic pain, depression, anxiety, and dementia. Therapy can help older adults cope with these changes and improve their quality of life.

• Dealing with life transitions. Older adults often face a number of major life transitions, such as retirement, the death of a spouse, downsizing from a larger home, becoming a caregiver to a partner, financial stress, or moving to a care facility. These transitions can be difficult to adjust to, and therapy can help older adults cope with the emotional and practical challenges of these changes.

• Improving relationships. As we age, our relationships with our family, friends, and loved ones can change. Therapy can help older adults improve their communication skills, resolve conflict, and build stronger relationships.

• Promoting self-care. As we age, it's important to take care of our physical and mental health. Therapy can help older adults develop healthy coping strategies, identify needs, and make changes to improve overall well-being.

WHAT YOU CAN GAIN FROM PSYCHOTHERAPY

There can be a wide array of helpful things that result from therapy with the right therapist.  Psychotherapy can help older adults:

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Improve sleep quality

• Increase self-esteem

• Enhance cognitive function

• Build social support

• Find meaning and purpose in life

If you are an older adult who is struggling with any of the issues mentioned above, therapy may be a helpful option for you. There are many different types of therapy available, and many mental health providers, so you can find the person and approach that is right for you. Therapy can be a valuable tool for exploring behavior patterns, processing emotions, and navigating changes with support from a psychologist along the way.

TIPS FOR OLDER ADULTS CONSIDERING PSYCHOTHERAPY

If you are an older adult who is considering therapy, there are a few things you should keep in mind. 

• First, it's important to find a psychologist or other mental health provider who is experienced in working with older adults. Just like not all psychologists specialize in working with kids, not everyone is well-versed in aging or the unique challenges that older adults may face.  A geropsychologist, like Dr. Reger, is someone with specialty training in aging and age-related concerns.

• You should feel comfortable with your therapist and be able to talk to them openly and honestly.  There is nothing more important than fit when it comes to how successful therapy is, so don’t be afraid to take advantage of a free brief consultation with a potential therapist, to get a feel for the match.

• Finally, try to be patient with the process of therapy. It takes time to see results because change is difficult. Often in therapy, we are exploring and changing patterns we’ve been in for decades, and that can’t happen overnight.  Therapy can be painful, joyful, funny, frustrating, and bring up many emotions along the way, so try to embrace the process as you go!

Begin Counseling for Older Adults in Los Angeles, CA

If you are ready to receive the support you deserve, I would be happy to offer support. As a Los Angeles Psychologist, I would be honored to help provide the insight to help you better address the concerns affecting you most. You can learn more about what you can expect from counseling for older adults with Dr. Reger by doing the following:

1. Reach out for a free consultation.

2. Schedule your counseling appointment with Dr. Reger.

3. Start receiving the support you deserve!

Other Therapy and Testing Services Offered in Los Angeles, CA

I understand you may need more support in addition to counseling for older adults. This is why I’m happy to offer several types of assessments and services around Southern California. I also offer psychological evaluations for workers’ comp, preoperative assessments, individual therapy and neuropsychological testing. Visit my blog for more helpful information today!

My Parent Won’t Take a Capacity Assessment, What Do I Do?

If you have concerns about your older parent’s decision-making, ability to manage their own finances, or ability to live independently, chances are you have considered asking them to have a capacity assessment by a psychologist in California.  Sometimes, these types of requests are met with a lot of resistance.  Here’s some information that might help.

What Is a Capacity Assessment?

A capacity assessment is the process of determining whether an older adult has the ability to make their own decisions about their life. This can be important in a number of situations, such as when an older adult is considering making a change to their living arrangements, making medical decisions, or managing their finances.  

There are a number of different factors that can be considered in a capacity assessment, including older adults:

• Cognitive abilities, such as their ability to understand information, retain information, and make decisions

• Emotional abilities, such as their ability to manage their emotions and make rational decisions

• Physical abilities, such as their ability to communicate and interact with others

• Life experiences and values

The Goal of Capacity Assessment

Age alone, or even a diagnosis of dementia, does not automatically mean a person lacks capacity.  My goal in capacity assessment is always to preserve a person’s autonomy and ability to make their own decisions to the extent possible while also ensuring their safety and well-being. This is a balancing act, but the goal is NOT to automatically take away decision-making rights just because a person is older or has a dementia diagnosis.

The specific factors that are considered in an assessment will vary depending on the situation, and the concern. For example, if an older adult is considering making a change to their living arrangements, the assessment may focus on their cognitive abilities, practical safety skills, and their ability to manage their finances. If an older adult is deciding on a risky medical procedure, the assessment may focus on their understanding of the medical information and ability to make an informed decision.

The results of a capacity assessment can have a big impact on an older adult's life. If the psychologist determines that the older adult lacks capacity in an area, they may be unable to make their own decisions about their life in that area. In this case, a guardian or conservator may be appointed to make decisions on their behalf.

Explain Why You Want a Capacity Assessment With a Psychologist

Obviously, the results of a capacity assessment can have a big impact on your parent’s life, and it is understandable that they might be resistant to testing.

If you want your older adult parent to do a capacity assessment with a psychologist because you are concerned about their safety or decision-making, here are some thoughts on how to encourage their participation.

• Talk to your parent about your concerns at a calm moment when you have time and privacy to talk.

• Explain why you think they should take a capacity assessment and what you hope to achieve by doing so.  Be specific about what worries you, and give concrete examples.

• Be respectful and understanding, but also be clear in your belief that it is in their best interest.

• Reassure them that you will help and support them as best you can no matter what.

If They Still Decline a Capacity Assessment, Then What?

You cannot force your parent to take a capacity assessment. However, you can take steps to help protect your parent's interests.

• Gather evidence of your parent's declining mental capacity. This could include things like medical records, reports from doctors or other healthcare professionals, or even just observations of your parent's behavior. For example, if your parent has been the victim of a financial scam, document when and details of what happened, how much money they lost, and so on. This evidence will help to support your case if you need to take legal action.

• Consult with an attorney. An attorney can help you understand the legal options available to you and can represent you in court if necessary.

• Consider a consultation with a psychologist with expertise in capacity assessment, like Dr. Reger, who can offer her insight into your specific situation, and can explain the process of assessment.

• Reach out to a support group or advocacy organization. There are many organizations that can provide support and guidance to families dealing with issues of mental capacity. They can offer advice on how to talk to your parent, how to gather evidence, and how to navigate the legal system.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• The National Council on Aging: https://www.ncoa.org/

• The Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/

• The American Bar Association: https://www.americanbar.org/

Receive a Capacity Assessment in Los Angeles, CA

If your loved one decides to receive support in the form of a capacity assessment, Dr. Reger would be honored to help. She provides capacity assessments at several locations in Southern California. You can schedule an appointment by following these steps:

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

2. Meet with a Los Angeles Psychologist for your capacity assessment

3. Start receiving the support your loved one deserves

OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED BY DR. REGER IN LOS ANGELES, CA

I know that you or your family can encounter more than one mental health concern at a time. This is why I’m 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.

Understanding the Science Behind Neuropsych Testing in Los Angeles, CA

Psychologists go to school for many years to learn how to administer and interpret neuropsych and other psychological evaluations.  Here’s a bit of background information to help non-psychologists understand the science behind a neuropsych assessment.

What Is Neuropsych Testing?

Neuropsychological testing is a scientific method of evaluating someone’s brain and behavioral functioning. It can help understand the impact of brain injury (like a TBI), medical problems (like a stroke or chemotherapy), or mental health concerns (like depression or ADHD) on a person's ability to think, learn, remember, and do everyday tasks.

The Science Behind Neuropsych Testing

The science behind neuropsych testing is based on the understanding that different areas of the brain are responsible for different cognitive functions. For example:

• Frontal lobes are responsible for executive functions such as planning, organizing, and problem-solving. 

• Temporal lobes are responsible for language processing

• Parietal lobes are responsible for spatial processing

These brain area/brain function connections have been studied for many decades by psychologists and neuroscientists, and researchers are constantly learning new information about how our brains work. 

What Can Neuropsych Tests Measure?

Neuropsychological tests are designed to measure specific brain functions. For example, there are common tests that measure:

• Attention

• Memory

• Processing speed

• Language

• Visual and spatial skills

• Executive functions

A comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation will include tests that measure these areas, and possibly more. The exact tests a psychologist chooses will depend on the question being asked.  

For example, I would choose one test battery to assess for dementia, and another to assess for ADHD.  In any case, a comprehensive approach is best, rather than going in with an assumption about what’s going on, and testing only that area. If we suspect a person has the beginnings of dementia and only test memory, we might miss other important information that would help with a specific diagnosis. Or, if we only test attention in ADHD, we could miss a learning disability or other problem that is causing difficulty with attention or behavior. Neuropsych testing is as much an art as a science in many ways, which is why it’s important to choose a psychologist with expertise in the issue you want to know about.

How Neuropsych Testing Is Interpreted

The results of neuropsychological testing are interpreted by a neuropsychologist or a psychologist with expertise in neuropsychology. The psychologist will compare the person's test scores to norms for people of the same age, education, and gender. Norms are average scores of a large group of people who have taken a test. This allows us to identify areas of cognitive weakness or impairment, in comparison to what is expected for someone of the same age and education level.

The Benefits of Neuropsych Testing

Neuropsychological testing can be used to diagnose a variety of brain-related disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, dementia, traumatic brain injury, learning disorders, ADHD, and autism. It can also be used to assess the effects of a brain injury or disease on a person's ability to function in everyday life.

Neuropsych testing can help:

• Identify brain problems that may not be apparent from a physical exam or medical history.

• Diagnose brain-related disorders.

• Assess the severity of a brain injury or disease.

• Plan treatment and rehabilitation.

• Monitor the progress of a brain injury or disease over time.

Begin Neuropsych Testing in Los Angeles, CA

Overall, neuropsych testing is a valuable and science-based tool for assessing the cognitive and behavioral functioning of people with concerns related to brain function. Dr. Reger provides psychological assessments at multiple locations in Southern California. You can schedule an appointment by following these steps:

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

2. Meet with a Los Angeles Psychologist for psychological testing

3. Gain a better understanding of yourself!

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH DR. REGER IN LOS ANGELES, CA

I am happy to offer psych evaluations and a variety of other assessments. Other assessments include cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. I also provide mental health services including individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations.

Understanding Financial Abuse and the Role of Psychologists in Prevention

Unfortunately, older adults and disabled or dependent adults are at risk of financial abuse. 

Financial abuse happens when someone exploits another person’s financial resources for personal gain, causing harm or distress.  This can happen in many different ways and often happens when a family member or caregiver misuses or takes money that belongs to someone they’re supposed to help care for.  Older adults can also be vulnerable to scams that trick them into giving their money to a stranger.  Victims often feel ashamed or fear retaliation, making it challenging to detect and address financial abuse. Psychologists play a crucial role in recognizing and addressing financial abuse through capacity testing and assessing for undue influence.

Capacity or Undue Influence Assessment With a Psychologist

Psychologists conduct capacity testing to evaluate an older adult's ability to make informed decisions regarding their finances. Using standardized assessments and interviews, psychologists assess cognitive functioning, memory, judgment, and understanding of financial matters. This evaluation helps determine whether the individual has the capacity to manage their financial affairs independently. Identifying cognitive impairments or vulnerabilities can aid in safeguarding vulnerable older adults from financial exploitation.

Undue influence happens when someone manipulates an older adult to influence their decision-making related to finances, property, a will, or other resources. Psychologists play a vital role in assessing for signs of undue influence by examining the dynamics between the older adult and those around them. They look for signs of control, isolation, intimidation, or dependency. By assessing the presence of undue influence, psychologists can identify cases where an older adult's decisions may not be entirely voluntary or in their best interest.

Capacity testing and assessing for undue influence are crucial steps in protecting older adults from financial abuse. These evaluations:

1. Identify Cognitive Changes:

Capacity testing includes an evaluation of cognitive function, so it can detect any decline that may impact a person’s financial decision-making. Recognizing cognitive impairments helps determine the appropriate level of support someone needs to manage and protect their finances.

2. Preserve Autonomy:

Capacity testing provides information about a person’s ability to make sound financial decisions independently. It helps protect their autonomy, ensuring they have control over their finances and are not subjected to undue influence.  If someone has problems with financial capacity, a psychologist can also offer recommendations about what supports would allow them to maintain as much independence as possible.  For example, if someone is having trouble paying bills on time because of a memory problem, something as simple as setting up autopay could give them the support they need, and allow them to remain in control of their finances with help from a trusted family member.

3. Uncover Manipulation:

When there is a question of undue influence, testing with a psychologist can shed light on situations where a vulnerable older adult may be under the control of others. This helps protect older adults from exploitation by recognizing signs of emotional manipulation, isolation, or threats.

4. Provide Intervention and Support:

Psychologists offer interventions such as therapy or referrals to appropriate legal and social services to address the impact of financial abuse.  In California, Adult Protective Services investigates financial abuse, and each county has its own APS program.  Anyone can make a report to APS if financial abuse is suspected.

WARNING SIGNS FOR FINANCIAL ABUSE: WHEN A PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION MAY BE HELPFUL

It can be tough to spot financial abuse because victims often feel embarrassed or scared to ask for help. However, there are some signs that might suggest that someone is being financially abused:

• Suddenly having money problems, like not being able to pay bills or strange activity in bank accounts.

• Major changes in important documents like wills or power of attorney, especially when another person is encouraging these changes.

• Feeling isolated or controlled by a caregiver or family member.

• Losing valuable things without any good explanation.

• Unusual purchases or money transactions that don't make sense.

Begin A Capacity Assessment In Los Angeles, CA

If you have concerns about an older adult in your life, or if you are an older adult and worry you may be in a financially abusive situation, a capacity or undue influence assessment may help bring clarity to the situation and stop further abuse. Dr. Reger is equipped to offer testing and assessment services across California. You can schedule an appointment by following these steps:

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

2. Meet with a Los Angeles Psychologist for a capacity assessment

3. Start receiving protection from financial abuse!

OTHER SERVICES OFFERED WITH DR. REGER IN LOS ANGELES, CA

I am happy to offer capacity testing and a variety of other assessments. Other assessments include psych evaluations, cognitive and dementia testing, pre-surgical assessments, and med-legal evaluations. I also provide mental health services including individual therapy, counseling for older adults, and mental health consultations and presentations.