Volume 7, Issue 5 (Suppl)
J Palliat Care Med, an open access journal
ISSN: 2165-7386
Geriatrics 2017
September 4-5, 2017
Page 22
conference
series
.com
September 4-5, 2017 | Edinburgh, Scotland
Geriatrics Gerontology & Palliative Nursing
7
th
International Conference on
Lee Hyer, J Palliat Care Med 2017, 7:5(Suppl)
DOI: 10.4172/2165-7386-C1-010
NEWMODEL: HOLISTIC ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF OLDER ADULTS
I
n 2014 a new model of assessment and treatment for older adults was promulgated (Hyer 2014). This presentation explicates
this Watch and Wait model, outlining five core domains of care, the importance of a focus on the “real world” of an older
adult, the limitations of extant treatments and the overvalued focus of the nuanced differences in treatment (one antidepressant
vs. another, one psychotherapy vs. another, etc.). We explicate two parts of this model; (1) A case-based and deliberative
unfolding of a plan, applying psychoeducation, assessment, validation, alliance building, monitoring, and use of treatment
modules; and, as noted, (2) The relevance of five areas {depression, anxiety, cognition, health (especially comorbidities, pain
and sleep), and life adjustment (unmet needs in the community)}. We base this model on Primary Care Clinic data of 500 older
patients.
We set the stage discussing influencing meta-trends requiring a new model of care for older adults. We then address the
unfolding of the first 3-4 sessions of Watch and Wait. We elaborate on an assessment battery for each domain using set screens
and a short neuropsychological battery. We explain the metric for designating whether the patient met criteria for each domain;
Mild, Moderate, or Problem. This leads to a profile for each patient of the five domains. We then apply an empirically-supported
plan of modules for each domain and monitor these.
This model is case-based, applies common factors/motivational interviewing, and uses evidence-based modules of treatment.
It also endorses team care, family involvement, and monitoring. Importantly, we endorse and maximize lifestyle interventions,
especially exercise, cognitive training, stress reduction, and diet. Health depends on good living and support.
We believe that we need a new, deliberative and thoughtful model of care for this new cohort of older adults. The current
medical model is both limiting and ineffective.
Biography
Lee Hyer is a Professor at Georgia Neurosurgical Institute in the Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior. He serves as Board of Advisors and Senior Fellow Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Coordinator and Special Instructor. Lee involves in several Administrative Responsibilities/Appointments and Committees. He secured
many awards/honors and serves as editorial member and also a reviewer for the following journals Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Journal of Clinical Psychology,
Journal of Applied Gerontology, Journal of Aging Studies, Journal of Gerontology, The Gerontologist, Journal of Traumatic Stress, Journal of Personality Disorders, Journal of Per-
sonality Assessment, Psychological Reports and Professional Practice. Lee also published many research papers in highly reputed journals.
lhyer@ganeuroandspine.comLee Hyer
Georgia Neurosurgical Institute, USA