Welcome to the first episode of 2020! This is the first episode of our COVID-19 mini-series. In this episode, I welcome my new co-host, Dr. Rachel Weiskittle. We talk about our experience with adjusting to policy and practice changes related to the pandemic, including providing psychotherapy via telehealth to older adults, and we discuss common themes of psychosocial concerns older adults may present with during this difficult time. In the last half of the episode, Dr. Weiskittle describes a COVID-19 telehealth support group she co-developed with Dr. Michelle Mlinac (see episode 1, Careers in Geropsychology: Home Based Primary Care, for Dr. Mlinac’s bio), and we share information about invaluable COVID-19 related resources for clinicians, older adults, and family members.
Resources discussed in today’s episode:
- GeroCentral Website, COVID-19 Resources: https://gerocentral.org/clinical-toolbox/covid-19-resources/
- Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook: https://www.depauw.edu/files/resources/coronavirus-anxiety-workbook.pdf
- COVID-19 Telehealth Support Group for Socially Isolated Older Adults: https://gerocentral.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID19-Older-Adult-Telephone-or-Virtual-Support-Group-Manual.pdf