According to (Segal 2005), When people grow old, they usually experience complications that are either psychological or physical. In this situation, they need a professional counselor who can be able to guide them on how to go about different changes that happen to them. A psychologist who is endowed with these skills is referred to as clinical Geropsychology. For people to qualify to administer this therapy, they need to equip themselves with knowledge on aging issues which include; aggressive behavior, chronic stress, bereavement, and other age-related changes. In order to handle such persons in an appropriate way, a critical study of the patient should be taken so as to provide the required therapy.
(Brewer, 2004) found that old age comes with many changes, some of which cannot be avoided. With professional guidance, these changes can be controlled, and the person helped to lead a normal life. A clinical Geropsychologist is able to identify the kind of exercise for the person and the appropriate food to be taken to maintain good health. By studying the family history of the elderly person, he is also helped to identify some of the health complications that he is vulnerable to and subsequently helped to take control and other preventive measures. These complications include; breathing difficulties, high blood pressure, high sugar levels, cancer, heart attack, kidney failure, and many more. If an elderly person is already a victim of the above, then he should be advised and assisted in getting medical attention and also taking precautionary measures to prevent adverse effects.
It is important for researchers to take the initiative to find out the knowledge as well as the skills required in the study of specifics of geropsychology. Proficiency in Geropsychology defines psychologists as possessing a specific knowledge base that makes them be recognized. Recommendations are available on how to prepare and work with old people where practitioners restrict people who do not have in Geropsychology from practicing it until they get the formal training. A document is being revised to clarify the skills and knowledge required for one to work in an appropriate manner instead of having requirements for training processes to be carried out with guidelines involved in the practice. (Segal, 2005)
(Brewer, 2004) argues that for neuropsychologists to be successful, they need to work together with members from other disciplines in performing tasks which research, education, or clinical services. The above activities are focused more on development and tasks in linking with other disciplines. There is more emphasis on having a coalition with mental health in order to discuss initiatives and other common concerns. Collaborative efforts are necessary for getting attention on how carriers were restricting their services to people with dementia. Psychology is integrated into settings of primary healthcare, where it was boosted with codes of healthy behavior. There are several mechanisms in psychology that are used to serves the role of integrating various practices with colleagues with specializations in psychosocial as well as in medical fields. This helps them to share a wide range of creativity that determines their success. Research has found that if a psychologist is proficient in different areas, he/she is capable of offering generic services that include day-care, healthcare services in hospitals dealing with psychiatric cases as well as settings involving both inpatients cases and outpatient cases. For a neuropsychologist to be competent, distinctive knowledge about normal and abnormal variations in old aged people’s cognition is required. The other necessities are how leisure is used, personality minority, and cross-cultural aspects. Biological aspects of aging involve sensory changes, terminal disease, pharmacology, and chronic illness, which require special care by professionals in Geropsychology. (Segal, 2005),
References
Segal D. (2005): Geropsychology Training in a Specialist Geropsychology: Haworth press.
Brewer C. (2004): society for the teaching of psychology: Lawrence Erlbaum.