Older people and mental health nursing: a handbook of care

Older People and Mental Health Nursing provides an evidence-based guide to caring for the growing number of older people with mental health issues. It focuses on the knowledge and key skills which practitioners require to work effectively with older people who have, or are at risk of developing, mental health needs.

Divided into five sections, Older People and Mental Health Nursing first explores the background, historical perspectives and influences on mental health care in later life. It then looks at the ethical and legal issues involved, therapeutic relationships, and the values underpinning support and care. Part three focuses on aspects which have traditionally been neglected in mental health care, including culture, religion and sexuality. Part four details specific mental health issues for older people, including delirium, depression, and dementia. The final section explores future trends in older people’s mental health and offers ideas on how nursing is developing, and could develop, to address these.