Helping Relationships With Older Adults

Dr. Adelle M. Williams is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and currently resides with her family in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She earned her PhD and Master's in Education in Rehabilitation Counseling and her undergraduate degree in Sociology from the University of Pittsburgh. She later obtained a Master's in Business Administration from Robert Morris College. Throughout her academic pursuits she has focused on aging and aging-related issues. Currently, Dr. Williams is the Gerontology Coordinator and Professor within the Public Health and Social Work department within Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania since June, 2015. She teaches graduate counseling courses and undergraduate gerontology courses and is described as a dynamic professor who inspires students to advocate for the interests of our elders. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Williams was a Professor and Gerontology Coordinator within the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program within the Counseling and Development and responsible for the newly created Aging specialization. Other positions held within the University include Professor and Gerontology Coordinator within the Health and Safety Management department, Assistant to the Dean for the College of Health, Environment and Science, Director of the Health Services Administration Program, Co-developer of the Long Term Care Administration specialization, Adjunct Professor within the Department of Allied Health and Faculty Liaison to Queen Margaret College in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dr. Williams' research interests include aging, health and mental health, cultural diversity, women's issues and administration. She has published articles in the Gerontologist, Protective Services Quarterly, The Afrocentric Scholar, The Journal of Allied Health, American Journal of Occupational Therapy, The Journal of Long Term Care Administration, Physical Therapy Education. The Journal of Health Administration Education, and the Pennsylvania Journal of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Dr. Williams' has presented at the local, state, national and international levels. She has been invited to present and invited to deliver the keynote address at several commencement ceremonies. She has attained grants and managed the grant application process. Dr. Williams has conducted many program reviews and interviewed by the media. Clinical positions in the private sector included clinician, clinical supervisor, admissions administration and research program coordinator within the Geriatric Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurology Unit of Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. She conducted individual, family and group sessions, lead reminiscence groups, interpreted various assessments, and connected older adults with community services while operating within a multidisciplinary team. She also served in a consultant capacity for the Center for Aging and Research Program Director at the Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh within the Geriatrics Division. Her clinical, research and administrative experiences has proven valuable in teaching students to appreciate the challenges and opportunities inherent in the aging process and professional work with older adults.

Section I. Overview of the Aging Process, Aging Theories, Positive Aging, and the Helping Process Chapter 1: Introduction Aging Biological Theories Associated With Aging Physical Changes That Accompany Aging Cognitive Changes That Accompany Aging Chapter 2: Historical Perspectives and Changing Attitudes Toward Older Adults Perceptions of Growing Older and Societal Influences Historical Aspects of Aging Aging of the Baby Boomer Generation Aging and Mental Health Rethinking the Value of Aging Chapter 3: Characteristics of Positive Older Adults and the Helping Process Successful Aging and Mental Wellness Positive Aging Characteristics Counseling Older Adults Attributes of Successful Practitioners Part II. Common Issues and Problematic Behaviors Experienced by Older Adults Chapter 4: Health Challenges That Impact the Well-Being of Older Adults Impact of Age-Related Diseases on Activities of Daily Living Cardiovascular Diseases Diabetes Cancer Arthritis Osteoporosis Falls Vision Disorders Cerebrovascular Disease HIV/AIDS Chapter 5: Challenging Conditions Experienced by Older Adults Alzheimer's Disease Depression Anxiety Substance Abuse Elder Abuse Chapter 6: Family Issues and Support Systems Caregiving Grandparenting Support Systems Chapter 7: Loss and Its Effect on Older Adults Loss Divorce Widowhood Dying and Death Chapter 8: Opportunities in Later Life Psychosocial Theories Related to Engagement Employment Retirement Leisure Retirement Part III: Professional Practice in Working With Older Clients Chapter 9: Skills, Attitudes, and Knowledge of Effective Practitioners Counselor Preparation and Development Strategies to Use in Counseling Older Adults Chapter 10: Professional Practice With Goals for Older Adults Psychosocial Interventions Stages of the Helping Relationship Issues Brought to the Helping Relationship Dealing With Uncertainty Terminal Illness Death and Dying Chapter 11: Therapeutic Approaches and Appropriateness for Older Clients Problem Solving Therapy Brief Dynamic Therapy Behavioral Therapy Cognitive Therapy Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Integrative Approach Strengths-Based Approach Reminiscence Therapy and Life Review Family Systems Approach Reality Orientation Chapter 12: Future Trends Positive Aging Health Care Employment and Retirement Counseling Considerations

"A definite read for students in Counseling programs and improving the lives of older adults!" -- Amy Gray-Graves "All textbooks that focus on the older adult population must provide students with a solid background in theory, research, and practice with a focus on the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of adult development. This textbook goes further with its emphasis on the multiple pathways of development that characterize "successful aging" from a strengths perspective." -- Nancy A. Orel "This is an exciting perspective on counseling older adults across the wide lifespan that is aging. Considering the range from age 60 to 100 is 40 years it is little wonder that there are so many complex needs in this age range. Williams addresses these issues with clear case studies, and excellent resources that summarize the needs and skills required for working with this wide age range. The text is an excellent foundation text, but could also be used by an advanced professional. The topics of sexuality, spirituality, and physical and emotional challenges are reviewed. Attention to diverse populations within the elder community is also not neglected. The ethnic, socio economic and disability issues related to diversity are addressed. The reader will find a rich compilation of resources that can evoke further discussion, develop necessary skills, and help the student become a skilled counselor with a population desperately in need of skilled workers in this area." -- Polly McMahon "A thoroughly researched and very readable text for teaching and learning the basics for working with the elderly in a variety of contexts." -- Tim Chandler "Helping Relationships with Older Adults: From Theory to Practice provides readers with current and up to date information that is necessary to help and support older adults who face the challenges of aging in today's society." -- Kyle O'Brien