APA's 21 Guidelines for Working with Older Adults

Photo by LeShaines123.

The American Psychological Association (APA) recognizes that working with older adults requires special consideration.

In response, they have developed a document entitled Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Older Adults. The latest version was published in 2013.  

Some, but not all, of these guidelines are pertinent to anyone working with older adults.

I think they are worth sharing.

This document outlines 21 different guidelines that are supported by research. What follows is just a list of the guidelines. If you would like a fuller explanation of any or all of the guidelines, click through to the entire document, which also includes references.



Guideline 1. Psychologists are encouraged to work with older adults within their scope of competence.

Guideline 2. Psychologists are encouraged to recognize how their attitudes and beliefs about aging and about older individuals may be relevant to their assessment and treatment of older adults, and to seek consultation or further education about these issues when indicated.

Guideline 3. Psychologists strive to gain knowledge about theory and research in aging.

Guideline 4. Psychologists strive to be aware of the social/psychological dynamics of the aging process.

Guideline 5. Psychologists strive to understand diversity in the aging process, particularly how sociocultural factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, disability status, and urban/rural residence may influence the experience and expression of health and of psychological problems in later life.

Edwin M. Escobar.

Guideline 6. Psychologists strive to be familiar with current information about biological and health-related aspects of aging.

Guideline 7. Psychologists strive to be familiar with current knowledge about cognitive changes in older adults.

Guideline 8. Psychologists strive to understand the functional capacity of older adults in the social and physical environment.

Guideline 9. Psychologists strive to be knowledgeable about psychopathology within the aging population and cognizant of the prevalence and nature of that psychopathology when providing services to older adults.

Guideline 10. Psychologists strive to be familiar with the theory, research, and practice of various methods of assessment with older adults, and knowledgeable of assessment instruments that are culturally and psychometrically suitable for use with them.

Guideline 11. Psychologists strive to develop skill in accommodating older adults’ specific characteristics and the assessment contexts.

Guideline 12. Psychologists strive to develop skill at conducting and interpreting cognitive and functional ability evaluations.

Guideline 13. Psychologists strive to be familiar with the theory, research, and practice of various methods of intervention with older adults, particularly with current research evidence about their efficacy with this age group.

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Guideline 14. Psychologists strive to be familiar with and develop skill in applying culturally sensitive, specific psychotherapeutic interventions and environmental modifications with older adults and their families, including adapting interventions for use with this age group.

Guideline 15. Psychologists strive to understand and address issues pertaining to the provision of services in the specific settings in which older adults are typically located or encountered.

Guideline 16. Psychologists strive to recognize and address issues related to the provision of prevention and health promotion services with older adults.

Guideline 17. Psychologists strive to understand issues pertaining to the provision of consultation services in assisting older adults

Guideline 18. In working with older adults, psychologists are encouraged to understand the importance of interfacing with other disciplines, and to make referrals to other disciplines and/or to work with them in collaborative teams and across a range of sites, as appropriate.

Guideline 19. Psychologists strive to understand the special ethical and/or legal issues entailed in providing services to older adults.

Guideline 20. Psychologists strive to be knowledgeable about public policy, state and federal laws and regulations related to the provision of and reimbursement for psychological services to older adults and the business of practice.

Guideline 21. Psychologists are encouraged to increase their knowledge, understanding, and skills with respect to working with older adults through training, supervision, consultation, and continuing education.

Photo by Pedro Simoes7.

Related:

Older Americans 2012 Federal Report