Geriatric Mental Health Alliance News - Week of September 22, 2008

Geriatric Mental Health Alliance News

A bi-weekly email to brief you on issues important to geriatric mental health

September 22, 2008 - Vol 2, Issue 11

Depression and Behavioral Challenges in Elderly Residents

Revenue shortfalls related to the poor economy in NYS will result in a deficit for 2009-10. To avert this deficit, Governor Paterson has announced that he will seek $2.1 Billion in spending cuts when the Legislature comes back into session in September. These cuts are likely to affect health, mental health, substance abuse, aging, and children's services as well as education. We will let you know details as we learn them. Please be prepared to write, call, and visit your Assemblyperson and Senator to urge them to protect critical services for older adults with mental and/or substance use problems.

------------------------------------------------------------------
GMHA Announces Workgroups

We have decided to form a few workgroups to focus on various issues related to geriatric mental health.

• Long-Term Care Workgroup - to develop an advocacy agenda and strategies around better meeting the mental health needs of elders in long-term care for 2009-10;
• Financing Geriatric Mental Health Services Workgroup - to identify opportunities to expand geriatric mental health services, barriers to expansion, and ways to overcome barriers;
• People with Long-Term Psychiatric Disabilities Who Are Aging Workgroup - to develop an agenda to improve quality of life.

If you would like to join one of the workgroups or have any input, please RSVP to Yusyin Hsin at (212) 614-6356 or yhsin@mhaofnyc.org

------------------------------------------------------------------

GMHA Upcoming Events

October 16, 2008 - Evidence Based Psychosocial Interventions in End of Life Care: A Best Practices Presentation in Geriatric Mental Health co-sponsored by the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance of New York and the Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging and Longevity of Hunter College.

The event will be held from 3:00 - 5:00PM at the Hunter College School of Social Work - Auditorium, 129 East 79th Street, NYC, (Between Lexington and Park Avenues). Please register by clicking here. If you have any questions, please email or call Yusyin Hsin at yhsin@mhaofnyc.org or (212) 614-6356. The event is free but pre-registration is required.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 10, 2008 - Save the Date - Housing for Older Adults with Late-Onset Mental Disorders: Effective Models and Policy Implications
Moderator: Sydelle Knepper, CEO, SKA Marin,
Presenters: Jessica Katz, Director of Housing Development, Division of Special Needs Housing NYC Dept of Housing Preservation and Development
Laura Jervis, Executive Director, West Side Federation for Senior Supportive Housing NYSDHCR

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 02, 2008 - Save the Date - Legal Issues Confronting Seniors with Mental Health Needs
Presenters: Staff from MFY Legal Services

------------------------------------------------------------------
GMHA Welcomes New Staff Member

The Geriatric Mental Health Alliance of New York welcomes our newest staff member, Lisa Furst. Many of you may have known Lisa as the Director of Public Education for MHA of NYC and her work collaborating with the NYC Department for the Aging and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on a project to provide mental health education, screening, and linkages to services for older adults in senior centers. Lisa will continue to direct that project and will also serve as the Director of GMHA's Training and Technical Assistance Center without walls. Lisa looks forward to working with all of you as we enhance and plan our educational and training events.

------------------------------------------------------------------

LIFENET, Award-Winning Hotline, Goes Online at www.800lifenet.org

LIFENET (1-800-LIFENET), the 24/7, multilingual, multicultural information and referral hotline that is staffed by mental health professionals in New York City and operated by the Mental Health Association of NYC is now online at www.800lifenet.org. The website provides free, confidential, crisis, information, and referrals for those seeking help for behavioral health problems in NYC. The site also offers users the option to speak to a mental health professional 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To read more, here is the press release.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Other Upcoming Events

October 2, 2008 - Meeting the Mental Health Challenges of the Elder Boom. A community conference for Health and Human Service Providers and Family Care Givers from Warren and Washington Counties. The keynote speaker will be Michael Friedman. The conference will be held at the Queensbury Hotel from 08:00am to 12:00pm.

October 4, 2008 - The Second Annual Latino Mental Health Conference: Meeting the Mental Health Needs of the Latino Families & Communities. A conference fully dedicated to address the serious mental health disparities affecting the New York State Latino Community which not only served as a forum for the exchange of information, data, and ideas, but also invigorated the Latino healthcare provider community to stimulate the creation of highly successful projects. The event will be held at the Farkas Auditorium, NYU Langone Medical Center (550 First Avenue at 31st St.)

Please click here to register online.

October 15, 2008 - Breakthroughs in Elder Abuse & Neglect: Multidisciplinary Approaches, Promising Results. An educational forum presented by Laura Mosqueda, MD., and Laura Giles, MSG. for the NYC elder services community and a Weill Cornell Medical College CME activity.

For more information, please click here.

October 16, 2008 - Hunter College School of Social Worth 50th Anniversary Honoring Hunter's Past & Preparing for the Future in Social Work in Aging. An event to honor the recent graduates of the Aging and Health Program. The event starts at 5:30pm at the Hunter College School of Social Work, 129 E. 79th St. Reception to follow. For more information, click here.

October 23-25, 2008 - Save-the-Date: State Society on Aging of New York 36th Annual Conference This year's theme is: Geriatric Mental Health: Practice, Research, Education, and Policy and the conference will be held at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY. Michael Friedman will receive the President's Award in recognition of the work of the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance.

October 26-28, 2008 - Community Health: The Foundation of Patient Centered Care. CHCANYS's 2008 Statewide Conference, this dynamic conference features critical discussion on national and state health care issues and practical skills building for community health care providers and administrators. Examples: Financial/Operations Track, Health Information Technology Track, Health Center Board Development Track, Clinical Track, etc. The event will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, White Plains, NY.

For more information, please click here.

November 12-13, 2008 - Empowering Communities for Successful Aging: Housing, Neighborhood Supports, and Services. This conference will help provide communities with the tools to become elder friendly and more livable for persons of all ages. The conference will be held at the Saratoga Hilton and Conference Center, Saratoga Springs, NY.

Brookdale Center for Health Aging & Longevity Certificates in Aging Program
Registration is now underway for the Fall 2008 Certificate Program courses in Aging. Courses are designed for professionals working in or preparing to work in the rapidly growing field of aging services and those with an interest in the field. Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging & Longevity of Hunter College and Continuing Education at Hunter are offering 3 post-baccalaureate certificate programs, including the Certificate in Aging, Certificate in Aging and Mental Health, Certificate in Professional Geriatric Care Management. Courses are held in the evening at Brookdale's convenient midtown location. For more information, or to register, visit http://www.brookdale.org or http://ce.hunter.cuny.edu

RRTI 2008-9 Geriatrics and Developmental Disabilities Nurse Training Program The Rehabilitation Research and Training Institute is pleased to announce the schedule for the 2008-2009 Geriatrics and Developmental Disabilities Nurse Training Program. For a full list of courses and their descriptions and registration, please visit www.rrti.org. Nurses with all levels of training are invited to register for these free courses. Please note that a certificate is available for those Nurses who complete C1-C4 and Nursing Contact Hours can be obtained. For more information and questions, please contact Matt Yaeger at matt@nyrehab.org or 518-449-2976 ext 101. Courses start September 17, 2008 at various videoconference sites.

This continuing education activity has been submitted to the New York State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation

NY Connects Building Connections Workshop
NY Connects is pleased to announce the Building Connections workshop that will be offered in 6 locations across the State. This workshop is designed to support and strengthen local program operations and the Long Term Care Councils. NYSOFA Director Burgess or his designee, and a representative from DOH will provide opening remarks on the current status and future directions of long term care in NYS.

To register, please click here.

Educational Seminar Series at Service Program for Older People (SPOP) This training opportunity features SPOP clinicians who have extensive experience with older adults and mental health. It is offered to the professional geriatrics community and all who work with seniors. Each seminar is held at: 302 West 91st Street at West End Avenue, New York, NY. Seminar fee: $15. Discount for 3 or more attendees from the same organization. Space is limited. Please register in advance by mail or online at www.spop.org or call: 212-787-7120.

For topics, dates, and registration information, click here.

Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers
GNYGEC 2008/2009 is beginning another semester of Core and Elective trainings throughout the five boroughs. Click here for the 2008/2009 program announcement, registration form, credit card forms, and training locations. You may also register online here.

Institute for Senior Action
The Joint Public Affairs Committee for Older Adults is offering an exciting, innovative leadership and advocacy training course, the Institute for Senior Action (IFSA). IFSA is a unique 10-week course that sharpens the skills of long-time activist, and equips recent retirees and community members with the skills needed to maneuver our complicated political system and get results.

The Fall 2008 Session is Thursdays, Sept. 18 to Dec. 4th from 10:00am-2:30pm at the Hudson Guild (441 W. 26th St. between 9th and 10th Avenues)

All adults 55+ are invited to apply. There is a nominal charge for the program of $50 with limited scholarships available. For more information, please look at the schedule and the application. Or please contact the IFSA program at (212) 273-5261 or oaribidesi@jasa.org

------------------------------------------------------------------

2008 Presidential Election: The Mental Health, Candidates, Party Platforms

In early 2008, In early 2008, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) sent a questionnaire to all presidential candidates in each party. They also encouraged candidates to provide other relevant materials or explanations of their positions on issues involving mental health even if they did not have time to respond to the questionnaire.

NAMI, "NAMI offers these responses and excerpts from party platforms for educational purposes only. NAMI is a non-profit, non-partisan organization. Non-profit charitable organizations, including NAMI state and local affiliates, are prohibited by law from endorsing specific candidates and this information should not be used by any NAMI affiliate to endorse any candidate."

Democratic Presidential Nominee
Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois:- Questionnaire response

Republican Presidential Nominee
Sen. John McCain of Arizona: Mental Health Statement in lieu of a response to our questionnaire. The Campaign informed NAMI that it is his policy not to respond to questionnaires.

------------------------------------------------------------------

NSDUH Report: Serious, Psychological Distress Among Adults Aged 50 or Older

NSDUH Report: Serious Psychological Distress Among Adults Aged 50 or Older - 2005/2006

SAMHSA has released The NSDUH Report: Serious Psychological Distress Among Adults Aged 50 or Older: 2005 & 2006 . Combined data from SAMHSA's 2005 and 2006 National Surveys on Drug Use & Health (NSDUH) indicate than an annual average of seven percent of adults aged 50 or older experienced serious psychological distress in the past year. Adults aged 50 to 64 were more likely to experience past year serious psychological distress than those aged 65 or older.

To view the report, visit: http://oas.samhsa.gov/2k8/SPDolder/SPDolderadults.cfm.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Article...Retirees Filling the Frong Line in Market Fears

Retirees Filling the Front Line in Market Fears
By JOHN LELAND and LOUIS UCHITELLE
The New York Times
Published: September 22, 2008

Older Americans with investments are among the hardest hit by the turmoil in the financial markets and have the least opportunity to recover.

As companies have switched from fixed pensions to 401(k) accounts, retirees risk losing big chunks of their wealth and income in a single day's trading, as many have in the last month.

"There's a terrified older population out there," said Alicia H. Munnell, director of the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College. "If you're 45 and the market goes down, it bothers you, but it comes back. But if you're retired or about to retire, you might have to sell your assets before they have a chance to recover. And people don't have the luxury of being in bonds because they don't yield enough for how long we live."

Today's retirees have less money in savings, longer life expectancies and greater exposure to market risk than any retirees since World War II. Even before the last week of turmoil, 39 percent of retirees said they expected to outlive their savings, up from 29 percent in 2007, according to a survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute, an industry-sponsored group in Washington.

"This really highlights the new world of retirement," said Richard Johnson, a principal research associate at the Urban Institute in Washington. "It's a much riskier world for retirees, because people don't have defined-benefit plans. They have pots of money and they have to worry about making it last."

To read more, click here.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Article...Institutionalized Medicaid recipients sue Florida

Institutionalized Medicaid recipients sue Florida
By MATT SEDENSKY, Associated Press Writer
Yahoo! News

PLANT CITY, Fla. - Charles Todd Lee spent a lifetime going backstage at concerts, following politicians on the campaign trail and capturing iconic shots of everyone from Martin Luther King Jr. to Mick Jagger to Mickey Mantle. Today, he enjoys such freedom only in his dreams.

The 67-year-old photographer has been confined to a nursing home for five years, the victim of a stroke that paralyzed his left side. And he's angry.

"Most of the people come here to die, so you want to die," he said. "It is a prison. I can't escape it."

Lee is among the Medicaid recipients across Florida challenging the nightmare of the old and disabled: to be forced from comfort and familiarity into a nursing home.

They say the state is illegally forcing them to live in nursing homes when they should be able to live where they choose. Advocates charge that nursing homes, afraid of losing money, have successfully pressured politicians to make qualifying for community care more difficult. They have filed a federal lawsuit seeking class-action status on behalf of nearly 8,500 institutionalized Floridians.

To read more, click here.

Geriatric Mental Health Alliance News - Week of August 18, 2008

Geriatric Mental Health Alliance News

A bi-weekly email to brief you on issues important to geriatric mental health

August 18, 2008 - Vol 2, Issue 10

Sad NYS Budget News

As many of you know, Governor Paterson and the legislature have agreed to over $400 million in cuts to the 2008-9 budget and over $600 million in 2009-10.

The budget cuts include:

• 6% across the board cut to unspent local assistance
• 50% reduction to new and enhanced executive programs in the 2008-9 enacted budget
• 6% cut to new and enhanced legislative programs
• $50 million cut to executive and legislative members items
• 7% reduction in support of City University of New York (CUNY)
• $50 million is savings from general funds transfer (includes delay of statewide wireless network)
• $127 million in Medicaid and other health care savings

The 6% cut to local assistance includes mental health and substance abuse programs that serve older adults.

We do not yet know the full impact these cuts will have on geriatric mental health and substance abuse programs, but we will provide updates as we get new information.

Given the future budget cuts, it's going to be a difficult upcoming budget cycle for geriatric mental health. We hope you will join us in our advocacy efforts to preserve critical services for elders with mental disorders and to take advantage of regulatory and financial restructuring opportunities to ensure the inclusion of geriatric mental health.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Congratulations Kim!

We are very pleased to announce that Kim Steinhagen, Director of the Alliance married Daniel Williams on August 2nd. She is now Kimberly A. Williams. Please note that her email has changed from steinhagenk@mhaofnyc.org to kwilliams@mhaofnyc.org. Phone number and address will remain the same.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Update regarding Antipsychotic Medications

In our last newsletter, we reported on an article in Science Update reporting that Antipsychotic Medications May Ease Some Alzheimer's Symptoms, Not Others. Eileen McGinn, MPH, an alliance member, has pointed out an absent fact.

This article fails to note that these drugs are NOT approved for the treatment of dementia. Further, they have a black box warning for a 60-70% INCREASED rate of mortality when used off-label for dementia. Even the TV ads note that important fact.

Informed decision making requires complete and accurate information. Failure to provide complete and accurate information about treatment results in increased adverse events, costs and suffering, and in the case of off-label use of this class of drugs, increased rates of death.

Ms. McGinn has also updated us with the fact that in June 2008, the FDA updated their notification to healthcare professionals that both conventional and atypical antipsychotics are associated with an increased risk of mortality in elderly patients treated for dementia-related psychosis.

In April 2005, FDA notified healthcare professionals that patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Since issuing that notification, FDA has reviewed additional information that indicates the risk is also associated with conventional antipsychotics.

Antipsychotics are not indicated for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis.

Click here for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming Events

**NOTE**
CANCELLED - The Paradoxes of Aging: Psychotherapy with Older Adults conference sponsored by the Met Chapter of the New York State Society for Clinical Social Work scheduled for September 13, 2008 has been CANCELLED.

September 11, 2008 - Making Every Day Count: A Challenge for Geriatric Care Managers. An annual conference of the Greater New York Chapter of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. The keynote will be by David Spiegel, MD, Director of the Center on Stress and Health, Stanford University School of Medicine and Rona Bartelstone, LCSW, Founder and past President of NAPGCM. The event will be held at the Roosevelt Hotel, 45th & Madison Ave. from 08:30am - 04:30pm.

September 15-17, 2008 - Successful Solutions & Collaborative Outcomes sponsored by NYSRA. The topics and workshops offered at this Leadership Training Summit is geared to give attendees the opportunity to hear leading experts on both the national and state level on topics pertaining to leadership development, supervisory skills, best practices, and technical assistance. The event will be held at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, Albany.

September 18, 2008 - Cutting Edge Approaches: Sizing up the Workforce for the Elderboom. An annual conference of the New York Southern Area Aging (NY-SAAN) to educate via workshop sessions and presentations led by international and national expertise in the field of aging and workforce development. The event will be help from 8:00am - 5:00pm at The Roosevelt Hotel (45 East 45h St.). Please click here (www.NY-SAAN.org) for more information.

September 18, 2008 - Clearing the Air: The Facts About Smoking & Mental Illness. This workshop will focus on how smoking affects your life and what NYC is doing \to help you quit. The interactive presentation will provide resources and help you move towards a smoke-free life. The event will be held from 2:00pm - 4:00pm at the NYU School of Medicine, Schwartz Lecture Hall (401 E. 30th St.).

September 23, 2008 - Addressing the Needs of Nursing Home Residents in Psychological Distress: Strengthening Family/Nursing Home Partnerships: This half-day conference, being sponsored by FRIA, and targeting caregivers, family/friends of nursing home residents, professionals, nursing home administrators and staff will feature two panels made up of experts in the field of geriatrics, consumer advocates, a caregiver and a staff member of a nursing home. Kim Williams from GMHA will be presenting on one of the panels. It will take place from 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Community Church Assembly Hall, 40 East 35th St.

To reserve a seat or if you have questions please contact FRIA at 212-732-5667.

September 24-26, 2008 - NYAPRS 26th Annual Conference - Integrating Our Services: Integrating Our Lives A conference celebrating the advances in the promotion of the recovery, rehabilitation and rights of people with psychiatric disabilities, the event will be held at the Nevele Grande Hotel, Ellenville, NY.

Please click here for registration and brochure.

October 2, 2008 - Meeting the Mental Health Challenges of the Elder Boom. A community conference for Health and Human Service Providers and Family Care Givers from Warren and Washington Counties. The keynote speaker will be Michael Friedman. The conference will be held at the Queensbury Hotel from 08:00am to 12:00pm.

October 23-25, 2008 - Save-the-Date: State Society on Aging of New York 36th Annual Conference This year's theme is: Geriatric Mental Health: Practice, Research, Education, and Policy and the conference will be held at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY. Michael Friedman will receive the President's Award in recognition of the work of the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance.

November 12-13, 2008 - Empowering Communities for Successful Aging. Housing, Neighborhood Supports, and Services. This conference will help provide communities with the tools to become elder friendly and more livable for persons of all ages. The conference will be held at the Saratoga Hilton and Conference Center, Saratoga Springs, NY.

November 21, 2008 - Save the Date! The Trauma and Addictions Conference sponsored by The Division of Addictions of the NYS Psychological Association. This conference will address the issue of how to treat co-occurring pathologies such as trauma and addictive disorders in an integrated and effective manner. Keynote speaker is Denise Hien, Ph.D. The event will be held from 9:00am-4:00pm at NYU Silver Building (100 Washington Square East, Room 702).

RRTI 2008-9 Geriatrics and Developmental Disabilities Nurse Training Program The Rehabilitation Research and Training Institute is pleased to announce the schedule for the 2008-2009 Geriatrics and Developmental Disabilities Nurse Training Program. For a full list of courses and their descriptions and registration, please visit www.rrti.org. Nurses with all levels of training are invited to register for these free courses. Please note that a certificate is available for those Nurses who complete C1-C4 and Nursing Contact Hours can be obtained. For more information and questions, please contact Matt Yaeger at matt@nyrehab.org or 518-449-2976 ext 101. Courses start September 17, 2008 at various videoconference sites.

This continuing education activity has been submitted to the New York State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation

NY Connects Building Connections Workshop
NY Connects is pleased to announce the Building Connections workshop that will be offered in 6 locations across the State. This workshop is designed to support and strengthen local program operations and the Long Term Care Councils. NYSOFA Director Burgess or his designee, and a representative from DOH will provide opening remarks on the current status and future directions of long term care in NYS.

To register, please click here.

Educational Seminar Series at Service Program for Older People (SPOP) This training opportunity features SPOP clinicians who have extensive experience with older adults and mental health. It is offered to the professional geriatrics community and all who work with seniors. Each seminar is held at: 302 West 91st Street at West End Avenue, New York, NY. Seminar fee: $15. Discount for 3 or more attendees from the same organization. Space is limited. Please register in advance by mail or online at www.spop.org or call: 212-787-7120.

For topics, dates, and registration information, click here.

HIV/AIDS and Older Adults Trainings The AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) and the Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS) is offering a citywide HIV training program funded by the New York City Council. These free trainings will help senior service providers address HIV prevention issues and understand better the needs of those aging with HIV. Each seminar is held at various locations.

For dates and registration information, click here.

------------------------------------------------------------------
36th Annual Conference of the SSANY: Sponsor

NYSSA is offering sponsorship, exhibitor & advertising opportunities for their upcoming annual conference entitled The Road to the Future: Healthy Aging & Mental Health that will take place October 23-25th at the Gideon Putnam Hotel, Saratoga Springs, NY.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, click here.

Geriatric Mental Health Alliance News - Week of August 4, 2008

Geriatric Mental Health Alliance News

A bi-weekly email to brief you on issues important to geriatric mental health

August 04, 2008 - Vol 2, Issue 9

Congratulations Kim!

We are very pleased to announce that Kim Steinhagen, Director of the Alliance is marrying Daniel Williams on August 2nd. When she returns from her honeymoon-in Thailand no less-she will be Kimberly A. Williams. Please note that her email will change from steinhagenk@mhaofnyc.org to kwilliams@mhaofnyc.org. Phone number and address will remain the same.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Substance Abuse and Misuse in Older Adults

Michael and Kim recently published an article titled "Substance Abuse and Misuse in Older Adults" in Aging Well, The Magazine for Professionals Promoting Positive Aging. Discussing the warning signs specific to older adults who struggle with drug and alcohol issues.

Click here to read more.

------------------------------------------------------------------
NYC 9/11 Benefit Program for Mental Health & Substance Use Services

The New York City Health Department is offering an insurance-like benefit to help cover mental health and substance-use treatment for NYC residents still affected by the terrorist events of September 11, 2001. Please click here for more information or here to order materials for handout.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming Events

September 11, 2008 - Making Every Day Count: A Challenge for Geriatric Care Managers. An annual conference of the Greater New York Chapter of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. The keynote will be by David Spiegel, MD, Director of the Center on Stress and Health, Stanford University School of Medicine and Rona Bartelstone, LCSW, Founder and past President of NAPGCM. The event will be held at the Roosevelt Hotel, 45th & Madison Ave. from 08:30am - 04:30pm

September 13, 2008 - CANCELLED - The Paradoxes of Aging: Psychotherapy with Older A conference sponsored by The Met Chapter of the New York State Society of Clinical Social Workers and co- sponsored by the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance and Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. Morning Keynote will be by Gene D. Cohen, MD, Ph.D. Michael Friedman will be a discussant. The event will be held at Fordham University, Manhattan Campus (113 W. 60th St.) from 08:30am to 04:00pm. For more information, please contact SBW Partners at (212) 337-2555.

We will keep you informed on the rescheduled date.

September 24-26, 2008 - NYAPRS 26th Annual Conference - Integrating Our Services: Integrating Our Lives A conference celebrating the advances in the promotion of the recovery, rehabilitation and rights of people with psychiatric disabilities, the event will be held at the Nevele Grande Hotel, Ellenville, NY.

Please click here for registration and brochure.

October 2, 2008 - Save-the-Date: Meeting the Mental Health Challenges of the Elder Boom, a community conference for Health and Human Service Providers and Family Care Givers from Warren and Washington Counties. The keynote speaker will be Michael Friedman. The conference will be held at the Queensbury Hotel from 08:00am to 12:00pm.

For more information, please click here.

October 23-25, 2008 - Save-the-Date: State Society on Aging of New York 36th Annual Conference This year's theme is: Geriatric Mental Health: Practice, Research, Education, and Policy and the conference will be held at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY. Michael Friedman will receive the President's Award in recognition of the work of the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance.

November 12-13, 2008 - Empowering Communities for Successful Aging. Housing, Neighborhood Supports, and Services. This conference will help provide communities with the tools to become elder friendly and more livable for persons of all ages. The conference will be held at the Saratoga Hilton and Conference Center, Saratoga Springs, NY.

NY Connects Building Connections Workshop
NY Connects is pleased to announce the Building Connections workshop that will be offered in 6 locations across the State. This workshop is designed to support and strengthen local program operations and the Long Term Care Councils. NYSOFA Director Burgess or his designee, and a representative from DOH will provide opening remarks on the current status and future directions of long term care in NYS.

To register, please click here.

Educational Seminar Series at Service Program for Older People (SPOP) This training opportunity features SPOP clinicians who have extensive experience with older adults and mental health. It is offered to the professional geriatrics community and all who work with seniors. Each seminar is held at: 302 West 91st Street at West End Avenue, New York, NY. Seminar fee: $15. Discount for 3 or more attendees from the same organization. Space is limited. Please register in advance by mail or online here or call: 212-787-7102 ext.515.

For topics, dates, and registration information, click here.

HIV/AIDS and Older Adults Trainings The AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) and the Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS) is offering a citywide HIV training program funded by the New York City Council. These free trainings will help senior service providers address HIV prevention issues and understand better the needs of those aging with HIV. Each seminar is held at various locations.

For dates and registration information, click here.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Speak Out About Access to Mental Health Services

The National Alliance of Mental Illness of New York Metro is working to improve mental health insurance coverage for New Yorkers and would love to hear your story. Participate in a BRIEF, PAID, PHONE INTERVIEW regarding your mental health insurance coverage. To schedule an interview or for more information, please call Vera Oziransky at 212-684-3365 or email insurance@naminyc.org

Click here for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------------
In the News…Antipsychotic Medications May Ease Some Alzheimer’s Symptoms, Not Others

Antipsychotic Medications May Ease Some Alzheimer's Symptoms, Not Others

Science Update
June 23, 2008

Antipsychotic medications may lessen symptoms like hostility and aggression in patients with Alzheimer's disease, but do not appear to lessen other symptoms or improve quality of life, according to a recent analysis of data from the NIMH-funded Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness Alzheimer's Disease (CATIE-AD) study. The analysis was published online ahead of print June 2, 2008, in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

The 421 participants in the CATIE-AD study all had Alzheimer's-related dementia with additional symptoms such as delusions, aggression, hallucinations, or agitation that were severe enough to disrupt their functioning. Previously reported results of CATIE-AD concluded that the antipsychotic medications compared in the trial (olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone) were no more effective than placebo (sugar pill) when adverse effects were considered. This new analysis delved deeper to measure effects of the medications on patients.

David Sultzer, M.D., of the University of California Los Angeles, and colleagues found that CATIE-AD participants who completed the first 12 weeks of treatment with risperidone or olanzapine showed significant improvement in symptoms of hostility, aggression, mistrust and uncooperativeness, compared to placebo. However, none of the antipsychotic medications showed benefit in treating symptoms of depression, cognitive difficulties or functional disability. Further, those taking olanzapine showed increased symptoms of blunted emotions.

The researchers caution that these results show average group outcomes and may not apply to individual treatment effects. Doctors should consider each patient's circumstances, vulnerabilities and needs to determine if potential benefits will outweigh potential adverse effects, say the researchers. Sultzer and colleagues conclude by calling for additional research to identify potential subgroups of patients with certain neurobiological factors or symptom characteristics that may predispose them to specific responses to antipsychotic treatments.

------------------------------------------------------------------
In the News…Does Mental Illness Affect Consumer Direction of Community-Based Care?

Does Mental Illness Affect Consumer Direction of Community-Based Care? Lessons From the Arkansas Cash and Counseling Program

Ce Shen, PhD1, Michael A. Smyer, PhD2, Kevin J. Mahoney, PhD1, Dawn M. Loughlin, PhD3, Lori Simon-Rusinowitz, PhD3 and Ellen K. Mahoney, DNS4

Purpose: Previous research from the Cash and Counseling Demonstration and Evaluation (CCDE) in Arkansas, New Jersey, and Florida suggests that giving consumers control over their personal care greatly increases their satisfaction and improves their outlook on life. Still, some argue that consumer-directed care may not be appropriate for consumers with intellectual disabilities or mental health diagnoses. This study examined how Cash and Counseling-a new option allowing consumers to manage an individualized budget equivalent to what agencies would have spent on their care-changes the way consumers with mental health diagnoses meet their personal care needs and how that affects their well-being. Design and Methods: Using the Arkansas CCDE baseline and the 9-month follow-up data for individuals in the treatment and control groups, we compared and contrasted the experience of elderly consumers with and without mental health diagnoses utilizing logit regression. Results: After examining several outcome measures, including satisfaction with care arrangements and the paid caregiver's reliability and schedule, unmet needs, and satisfaction with the relationship with paid caregivers, this study found evidence that, from the perspective of consumers, the Cash and Counseling program works well for participants with mental health diagnoses. Implications: Considering the growing need for long-term-care services and the limited resources available, a consumer-directed option makes sense, and it can be a valuable alternative for persons with mental health needs.

------------------------------------------------------------------
In the News… Perceptions About Competing Psychosocial Problems and Treatment Priorities Among Older Adults with Depression

Perceptions About Competing Psychosocial Problems and Treatment Priorities Among Older Adults With Depression

Enola K. Proctor, Ph.D., Leslie Hasche, M.S.W., Nancy Morrow-Howell, Ph.D., Martha Shumway, Ph.D. and Grace Snell, M.S.W.

OBJECTIVE: Depression often co-occurs with other conditions that may pose competing demands to depression care, particularly in later life. This study examined older adults' perceptions of depression among co-occurring social, medical, and functional problems and compared the priority of depression with that of other problems. METHODS: The study's purposeful sample comprised 49 adults age 60 or older with a history of depression and in publicly funded community long-term care. Four-part, mixed-methods interviews sought to capture participants' perceptions of life problems as well as the priority they placed on depression. Methods included standardized depression screening, semistructured qualitative interviews, listing of problems, and qualitative and quantitative analysis of problem rankings. RESULTS: Most participants identified health, functional, and psychosocial problems co-occurring with depressive symptoms. Depression was ranked low among the co-occurring conditions; 6% ranked depression as the most important of their problems, whereas 45% ranked it last. Relative rank scores for problems were remarkably similar, with the notable exception of depression, which was ranked lowest of all problems. Participants did not see depression as a high priority compared with co-occurring problems, particularly psychosocial ones. CONCLUSIONS: Effective and durable improvements to mental health care must be shaped by an understanding of client perceptions and priorities. Motivational interviewing, health education, and assessment of treatment priorities may be necessary in helping older adults value and accept depression care. Nonspecialty settings of care may effectively link depression treatment to other services, thereby increasing receptivity to mental health services.

Geriatric Mental Health Alliance News - Week of July 03, 2008

Geriatric Mental Health Alliance News

A bi-weekly email to brief you on issues important to geriatric mental health

July 03, 2008 - Vol 2, Issue 8

ASK THE GOVERNOR TO SIGN A9846/S6817

This legislation has been sent to the Governor who will sign or veto it in the next few days. Please send your memo of support immediately. Feel free to use the Alliance's memo as a model. Click here.

This bill would expand the functions of the Interagency Geriatric Mental Health Council to focus more attention on substance use problems among older adults and on the behavioral health needs of veterans. It would also establish service demonstration grants for substance abuse like those already taking place for mental health. The grants program would depend on an appropriation in a future state budget. If enacted, this bill will do much to promote integration of mental health and substance abuse services for older adults.

Please send your memo of support to:
Honorable David A. Paterson
Governor
The Executive Chamber
New York State Capitol
Albany, New York 12224
Fax: (518) 474-1513

You can also send the Governor an electronic message by visiting: http://www.ny.gov/governor/contact/index.html

Kristin Rosenstein
Legislative Secretary's Office
The Executive Chamber
New York State Capitol 225
Albany, New York 12224

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email us. Also, please send or email us a copy of your correspondence, if possible. Thank you for your help and support!

------------------------------------------------------------------
OMH Releases Advisory Regarding Anti-psychotic Meds and Dementia

Following an FDA warning regarding the dangers of giving anti-psychotic medications to people with dementia, NYS Office of Mental Health released an advisory for mental health providers in NYS. Click here.

The Alliance sent the Advisory on to the NYS Department of Health, Division of Long-Term Care and to organizations that represent nursing homes in the hopes that similar standards would be established in the long-term care system. No word yet whether they have or have not.

------------------------------------------------------------------
NYC FY2009 Budget: Deep Cuts for Human Services, 10% Cut for Geriatric Mental Health

The NYC Council approved a $59 billion budget on Sunday with at least $40 million in cuts to existing programs. It is one of the worst budgets for community based human services. The NYC Department for the Aging will be will be taking a cut of $5.5 million. There are also additional cuts in food, transportation, and space costs. On top of that, there is a $29 million reduction in NYC Housing Authority funds for senior centers operating in their buildings.

Given widespread speculation that it might be eliminated, we are pleased that the Geriatric Mental Health Initiative, which provides geriatric mental health services in non-traditional settings, was restored at $2.4 million, taking only a 10% cut.

Advocacy for the Initiative was led by The Coalition of Behavioral Mental Agencies, UJA Federation, and United Neighborhood Houses as well as The Geriatric Mental Health Alliance.

------------------------------------------------------------------

2008-2012 Statewide Comprehensive Plan Hearing

On June 6th, the NYS Office of Mental Health held a hearing on the 2008-2012 Statewide Comprehensive Plan for Mental Health Services. Michael Friedman testified on a variety of issues, including geriatric mental health. Kim Steinhagen testified solely about geriatric mental health and emphasized the importance of OMH developing a comprehensive plan to address the mental health needs of older adults. Heather Mermel from the Coalition of Behavioral Health Agencies led her testimony with geriatric mental health.

To read Michael's testimony, click here.
To read Kim's testimony, click here.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Upcoming Events

July 17, 2008 - Medicaid Managed Care. Come learn how Medicaid Managed Care services will affect the services you receive. Come prepared with your questions. The event will be from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, Muhlenberg Auditorium, 4th Floor (440 West 114th St./Amsterdam Ave.) Please click here for more information.

July 31, 2008 - Family Interventions for Older Adults & Their Families. A six-hour seminar to provide participants with an understanding of the dynamics that affect family relationships in late life and some strategies for intervention. For more information, click here for Poughkeepsie or here for Capital Region.

September 11, 2008 - Making Every Day Count: A Challenge for Geriatric Care Managers. An annual conference of the Greater New York Chapter of Professional Geriatric Care Managers. The keynote will be by David Spiegel, MD, Director of the Center on Stress and Health, Stanford University School of Medicine and Rona Bartelstone, LCSW, Founder and past President of NAPGCM. The event will be held at the Roosevelt Hotel, 45th & Madison Ave. from 08:30am - 04:30pm

September 13, 2008 - The Paradoxes of Aging: Psychotherapy with Older A conference sponsored by The Met Chapter of the New York State Society of Clinical Social Workers and co- sponsored by the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance and Fordham University Graduate School of Social Service. Morning Keynote will be by Gene D. Cohen, MD, Ph.D. Michael Friedman will be a discussant. The event will be held at Fordham University, Manhattan Campus (113 W. 60th St.) from 08:30am to 04:00pm. For more information, please contact SBW Partners at (212) 337-2555.

September 24-26, 2008 - NYAPRS 26th Annual Conference - Integrating Our Services: Integrating Our Lives A conference celebrating the advances in the promotion of the recovery, rehabilitation and rights of people with psychiatric disabilities, the event will be held at the Nevele Grande Hotel, Ellenville, NY.

Please click here for registration and brochure.

October 2, 2008 - Save-the-Date: Meeting the Mental Health Challenges of the Elder Boom, a community conference for Health and Human Service Providers and Family Care Givers from Warren and Washington Counties. The keynote speaker will be Michael Friedman. The conference will be held at the Queensbury Hotel from 08:00am to 12:00pm.

For more information, please click here.

October 23-25, 2008 - Save-the-Date: State Society on Aging of New York 36th Annual Conference This year's theme is: Geriatric Mental Health: Practice, Research, Education, and Policy and the conference will be held at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs, NY. Michael Friedman will receive the President's Award in recognition of the work of the Geriatric Mental Health Alliance.

NY Connects Building Connections Workshop
NY Connects is pleased to announce the Building Connections workshop that will be offered in 6 locations across the State. This workshop is designed to support and strengthen local program operations and the Long Term Care Councils. NYSOFA Director Burgess or his designee, and a representative from DOH will provide opening remarks on the current status and future directions of long term care in NYS.

To register, please click here.

Educational Activities for Healthcare Professionals Focusing on Older Adults sponsored by the Consortium of New York Geriatric Education Centers. Programs include reinventing senior centers and senior programs, new trends in discharge planning, falls prevention and more. Programs are from 8:45am -4:30pm and registration is $50.

Educational Seminar Series at Service Program for Older People (SPOP) This training opportunity features SPOP clinicians who have extensive experience with older adults and mental health. It is offered to the professional geriatrics community and all who work with seniors. Each seminar is held at: 302 West 91st Street at West End Avenue, New York, NY. Seminar fee: $15. Discount for 3 or more attendees from the same organization. Space is limited. Please register in advance by mail or online here or call: 212-787-7102 ext.515.

For topics, dates, and registration information, click here.

HIV/AIDS and Older Adults Trainings The AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) and the Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS) is offering a citywide HIV training program funded by the New York City Council. These free trainings will help senior service providers address HIV prevention issues and understand better the needs of those aging with HIV. Each seminar is held at various locations.

For dates and registration information, click here.

------------------------------------------------------------------
Speak Out About Access to Mental Health Services

NAMI-NYC Metro is working to improve access to mental health services for all New Yorkers and would love to hear your story. Participate in a BRIEF, PAID, PHONE INTERVIEW regarding your MENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE coverage Interviews will be, scheduled at your convenience and all information will be kept strictly confidential. To schedule a half-hour interview or for more information, call Vera Oziransky at 212-684-3365 or email voziransky@naminyc.org.

Please click here for more information.

------------------------------------------------------------------
AAGP to Award $10,000 to Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Services Program Applications

The American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry has created a new award to encourage programs to provide and/or expand services for meeting the mental health needs of the frail elderly in their homes. As part of the new AAGP Deirdre Johnston Award for Excellence and Innovation in Geriatric Mental Health Outreach Services, the association will grant $10,000 to a program based on its excellence and/or innovation in providing mental health services to older adults in the community.

For more information click here

------------------------------------------------------------------
In the News…Depression Most Reliable Predictor of Suicide Among Elderly

Know signs of depression to help prevent, intervene
(6/4/2008)

By Maureen Hrehocik
Executive Editor, Long-Term Living

ORLANDO, FLA. -The most reliable predictive characteristic of suicide among the elderly is depression, says David B. Lennox, PhD.

A general estimate is that 10% of elderly are at high risk of suicide with the most common methods of taking one's life being firearms, hanging, jumping, and drowning.

Eighteen to 20% of all suicides in the elderly are among those 65 and older, Lennox, president and founder of QBS, Inc., Holliston, Massachusetts, said at the recently concluded Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) conference in Orlando. The highest rates were among white men 65 years and older (80% of all suicides) with rates increasing for white men, peaking at 85.

"Two to four attempts are made for every successful suicide," he points out.

Women make more attempts, however men are more successful. His ALFA presentation also showed that elderly premeditated the act longer with greater lethality than younger people attempting suicide.

Studies show 30% to 50% of skilled nursing facility residents have depression and 30% of individuals with Alzheimer's have depression.

Suicidal elders share some common characteristics. Among those are: physical illness (34% to 94%); chronic, severe pain; debilitating disease or terminal illness; psychiatric illness (depression); Alzheimer's or related dementia; history of suicide attempts; and history of alcohol or substance abuse.

Lennox said some of the predictors of suicidal risk that staff should be on the lookout for are: undesirable transfer, new medical condition or diagnosis, recent medication changes, increase in medication non-compliance, recent expression of "hopelessness," difficulty adjusting to a recent loss, self-imposed change in routine (e.g., withdrawal, isolation), recent "talk" of suicide (60% to 80% successful), recent financial "crisis."

------------------------------------------------------------------
In the News… FDA: Older Psych Drugs Have Fatal Risks In Seniors

FDA: Older Psych Drugs Have Fatal Risks In Seniors
By MATTHEW PERRONE - Associated Press
June 16, 2008

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Food and Drug Administration warned doctors Monday that prescribing a certain group of psychiatric drugs to seniors suffering from dementia can increase their risk of death.

Anti-psychotic drugs are approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disease, but doctors frequently prescribe them to treat elderly patients with dementia.

FDA's announcement was an update to a 2005 action, when regulators added warnings about increased heart attacks and pneumonia to drugs called aytpical antipsychotics. The medicines include blockbusters like Eli Lilly & Co.'s Zyprexa and Johnson & Johnson's Risperdal.

FDA said Monday those same risks apply to 11 older drugs known as conventional antipsychotics, including thorazine and prolixin. The drugs were developed in the 1950s and have largely been replaced by the newer medications, which are believed to have fewer side effects, such as tremors.

Analysts did not expect the announcement to negatively impact drug company earnings because the original antipsychotics are available as low-cost generics.

Federal officials have repeatedly urged doctors not to medicate seniors unnecessarily. Despite such warnings, health professionals continue to prescribe psychiatric drugs "off-label," or for uses that have not been approved by FDA. About 20 percent of seniors in nursing homes who receive antipsychotics do not have psychiatric problems, according to data released by Medicare earlier this year.

While FDA regulates the approval and marketing of drugs, doctors are free to use their own judgment when prescribing drugs.

The agency stressed there is "no approved drug for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis," and recommended doctors consider other treatment options.

"A lot of the things can be done to help change one's environment so elderly patients can be more oriented and engaged," said Dr. Eric Hollander, a Professor at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine.

Many of the behavioral problems seen in seniors can be improved by setting simple, daily routines that patients can follow, Hollander said. Click here for the full story.

------------------------------------------------------------------
In the News...Aggression Between Nursing-home Residents More Common Than Widely Believed, Studies Find

Aggression Between Nursing-home Residents More Common Than Widely Believed, Studies Find

ScienceDaily (June 4, 2008) - When people hear about elder abuse in nursing homes, they usually think of staff members victimizing residents. However, research by Cornell faculty members suggests that a more prevalent and serious problem may be aggression and violence that occurs between residents themselves.

Although such aggression can have serious consequences for both aggressors and victims, the issue has received little attention from researchers, and few proven solutions exist to prevent resident altercations, says Karl Pillemer, director of the Cornell Institute for Translational Research on Aging at the College of Human Ecology. He has co-authored two articles -- in Aggression and Violent Behavior and in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society -- on "resident-to-resident mistreatment" this spring with Weill Cornell Medical College professor of medicine Mark S. Lachs, M.D., and medical student Tony Rosen. Both studies report that verbal and physical aggression between residents is common and problematic, and that more research is necessary to identify risk factors and preventative measures.

"Anyone who spends much time in a nursing home will observe arguments, threats and shouting matches among residents, as well as behaviors like pushing, shoving and hitting," Pillemer said.

Please click here to read more.

------------------------------------------------------------------
In the News...Doctors Say Medication Is Overused in Dementia

Doctors Say Medication Is Overused in Dementia
By LAURIE TARKAN
June 24, 2008

Ramona Lamascola thought she was losing her 88-year-old mother to dementia. Instead, she was losing her to overmedication.

Last fall her mother, Theresa Lamascola, of the Bronx, suffering from anxiety and confusion, was put on the antipsychotic drug Risperdal. When she had trouble walking, her daughter took her to another doctor - the younger Ms. Lamascola's own physician - who found that she had unrecognized hypothyroidism, a disorder that can contribute to dementia.

Theresa Lamascola was moved to a nursing home to get these problems under control. But things only got worse. "My mother was screaming and out of it, drooling on herself and twitching," said Ms. Lamascola, a pediatric nurse. The psychiatrist in the nursing home stopped the Risperdal, which can cause twitching and vocal tics, and prescribed a sedative and two other antipsychotics.

"I knew the drugs were doing this to her," her daughter said. "I told him to stop the medications and stay away from Mom."

Not until yet another doctor took Mrs. Lamascola off the drugs did she begin to improve.

The use of antipsychotic drugs to tamp down the agitation, combative behavior and outbursts of dementia patients has soared, especially in the elderly. Sales of newer antipsychotics like Risperdal, Seroquel and Zyprexa totaled $13.1 billion in 2007, up from $4 billion in 2000, according to IMS Health, a health care information company. Part of this increase can be traced to prescriptions in nursing homes. Researchers estimate that about a third of all nursing home patients have been given antipsychotic drugs.

The increases continue despite a drumbeat of bad publicity. A 2006 study of Alzheimer's patients found that for most patients, antipsychotics provided no significant improvement over placebos in treating aggression and delusions.

Click here to read the full story.