Learning module

Mental Health Issues: Symptom Recognition, Intervention and Referral

1.5 contact hours 8 learning objectives
Do you know how to “talk down” a resident who is becoming increasingly aggressive towards other residents in the building? Would you know what to ask if one of your residents told you that she was going to kill herself? If Mrs. Smith, on the second floor, told you that Hitler was talking to her from her television set, would you call the cable company for her? Service Coordinators are likely to encounter residents they serve who display symptoms of, or who are being treated for, a wide range of behavioral and mental health issues. This module will emphasize strategies designed for recognizing symptoms, intervening in crises, and making appropriate referrals for treatment.
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What You'll Learn

Module objectives

  • Identify the most common forms of mental health illness that older adults experience, the health providers who treat them, and the most common forms of treatment.
  • List symptoms of depression as well as questions to ask if a depressed resident indicates suicidal intention.
  • Recognize symptoms of a manic episode as well as strategies designed to set limits for manic behavior.
  • Describe different kinds of psychotic experiences and identify tactics designed to help the individual remain reality-based.
  • Summarize symptoms of anxiety and how to identify symptoms in at least two anxiety disorders.
  • Differentiate between interventions used to de-escalate verbal aggression and physical aggression.
  • Identify symptoms of paranoia and list strategies designed to help the paranoid person feel more secure.
  • Describe examples of manipulative behavior as well as tactics designed to set limits with people who manipulate.

Table of Contents

Module sequence

  1. Module Home

    This introduction presents mental-health and behavioral situations service coordinators may encounter with residents. It frames recognition of symptoms, crisis response, and referrals to appropriate providers and community resources.

  2. Objectives

    Review the learning objectives for this module. Use them to focus on the knowledge and skills covered in the sections that follow.

  3. Background

    This section introduces mental health concerns among older adults and factors that can affect wellbeing. It discusses common conditions, prevention, treatment, resources, and the service coordinator's role.

  4. The Withdrawn or Depressed Resident

    This lesson discusses depression in older adults, including symptoms, grief, treatment considerations, and suicide warning signs. It includes a resident case example and a section-review question.

  5. The Manic or Elated Resident

    This section discusses recognizing and responding to a resident who is manic or elated. Learners will encounter related descriptions, guidance, and a section review.

  6. The Resident Who Has a Thought Disorder

    This section explains psychosis, including delusions, hallucinations, and illusions. It presents signs, response strategies, treatment considerations, and a section review question.

  7. The Anxious Resident

    This lesson describes anxiety symptoms, coping approaches, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and PTSD. It includes a resident case example, resource links, and a section-review question.

  8. The Hostile/Aggressive Resident

    This section discusses recognizing and responding to hostile or aggressive behavior. Learners will encounter related descriptions, guidance, and a section review.

  9. The Suspicious/Paranoid Resident

    This section examines paranoia and suspiciousness in older adults. It covers contributing factors, signs, ways to respond, treatment considerations, and support resources.

  10. The Manipulative Resident

    This lesson examines manipulative and passive-aggressive behavior in residential settings. It presents a case example and signs of manipulation for discussion.

  11. References

    This section provides references for the Mental Health Issues module. Learners will find the sources cited in the module.

  12. Post Test

    Complete the module post-test to check your understanding of the material. Use the results to identify topics you may want to review.

  13. Evaluation

    Share feedback about the module and your learning experience. Complete this evaluation as you finish the module.

  14. Certificate

    Access your certificate after completing the required module activities. Use this section to view or download documentation of completion.