We are seeing patients in-person and through Video Visits. Learn more about how we’re keeping you safe and please review our updated visitor policy. Please also consider supporting Weill Cornell Medicine’s efforts to support our front-line workers.
Geriatrics Psychosocial Patient Handouts: Introduction
Older patients often experience a range of practical and emotional problems negatively affecting their health and quality of life. As a health care provider, you may be concerned that these social and psychological issues frequently interfere with older patients' adherence to treatment recommendations.
Yet, like many health providers you probably don't have the time or expertise to respond to every psychosocial need coming to your attention. Compounding the problem, when you do discuss strategies to cope with a particular psychosocial problem the patient may forget crucial information given to them during the medical encounter.
In response to these issues, we have developed psychosocial patient educational handouts specifically designed for you to give to older patients. Each handout is:
- Informative and practical
- Easy to read
- Available in Spanish
- Easy to download
- Approved by New York-Presbyterian Hospital for patients and families
We hope that you find these handouts useful in your work with older adults.
Psychosocial Handouts
Cognitive/Emotional Issues
- Anxiety: Choosing to Live With Less Worry (English|Spanish)
- Depression: Getting Help and Feeling Better (English|Spanish)
- Memory Loss: What is Normal (English|Spanish)
- Psychotherapy: How to Get Started (English|Spanish)
- Suicidal Thoughts in Later Life (English|Spanish)
Crime and Abuse/Neglect
- Crime Prevention (English|Spanish)
- Elder Abuse: Safety Tips
- Elder Abuse: When a Family Member Causes Harm
End-of-Life Care
- Choosing Hospice Care
- End-of Life Care:Making Advance Decisions
Grief and Loss
- Aging and Loss of Independence
- When Someone You Love Dies
- When a Cherished Pet Dies
Housing Options
- Deciding Where To Live When Daily Help Is Needed
- Planning For Nursing Home Care
Managing Health Cost
- Buying Medicines and Medical Products Online
- Medicare Drug Discount Cards
- Money-Saving Tips for Buying Prescription Medications and Over-the-Counter Medicines
- Paying for Health Care: Medicare and Supplemental Insurance
- Should I Consider Buying Long-term Care Insurance?
Role Changes/Transitions
- Grandparents Helping Grandchildren
- Retirement Planning and Adjustment
- Staying Connected: The Power of Relationships
Supportive Home Services
- Choosing Home Care Services
- When Transportation Needs Change
- How Geriatric Care Managers Can Help