Bridging Generational Gaps with Aging Veterans

5:00pm-7:00pm EST

LIVE WEBINAR

Presenter: Aynisa Leonardo, LCAT, ATR-BC

FREE FOR ALL ATTENDEES

This workshop is approved for 2.0 continuing education credit hours for licensed social workers, licensed mental health counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists and licensed psychologists

Workshop Description

This presentation will discuss the complex needs of aging veterans, with regards to mental health, physical health, and medical needs. Workshop will cover what is unique about working with veterans who are seniors, as their age relates to their era of service, subsequent return to community and family, and access to care and services over the past several decades. Workshop will also explore cross-generational similarities among the veteran population. Topics that will be covered include: the experience of women veterans, exposure to toxic chemicals while serving, how access to care has changed, what services were available then and now, the complexities of loss and bereavement, legacy/life cycle, and the normalization of mental health needs within the veteran community (from shell shock to PTSD). Education will be delivered through a presentation as well as interactive panel discussion with a group of aging veterans who can speak from personal and professional experiences. Workshop will discuss the importance of peers within the same generation, as well as across generations and why. Panelists will provide insights into delayed onset of mental health challenges, and the pattern of compartmentalization during and after service. Recommendations will be given for best care services, practices, and communication tips for working with aging veterans. 

Learning Objectives

After the completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Describe unique needs relevant to an aging veteran.
• Identify why delayed onset occurs with PTSD and other service-related mental health issues.
• Discuss best care practices and skills for working with aging veterans.
• Identify why era of service has implications to a veteran’s experiences, with key examples.
• Describe complexities related to length of time after service such as delayed onset, grief/loss, medical issues, relationship issues, purpose definition, and overall risk of isolation.

This workshop is approved for 2.0 continuing education credit hours.

NASW-NYS is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers (Provider ID #0014), licensed mental health counselors (Provider ID #MHC-0053), licensed marriage and family therapists (Provider ID #MFT-0037) and licensed psychologists (Provider ID #PSY-0088).

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Presenter:

Aynisa Leonardo is a Licensed Clinical Art Therapist (LCAT, ATR-BC), who has been in the field of mental health services for 12 years. She is the VP of Clinical Outreach at Water Gap Wellness. Her prior experience includes working in inpatient, outpatient, and non-profit settings with clients experiencing posttraumatic stress, addiction, family conflict, and other mental health challenges. She has concentrated on advanced program development and clinical education, locally and nationally. She continues to provide evidence-based and interactive style presentations to hospitals, non-profits, and corporate agencies, in an effort to raise awareness of current trends and improve competency within the healthcare community.