The growing need for robust behavioral health support among older adults is undeniable. The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) has stepped up to meet this critical demand, forging a powerful partnership with McLean Hospital to deliver specialized training to COA staff and directors across the Commonwealth. This collaboration is proving to be a vital resource, equipping frontline professionals with the skills and confidence to navigate complex mental health challenges in their communities.
The Critical Need for Behavioral Health Training
According to Ipsit Vahia, Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry at McLean Hospital, the partnership was a natural fit. “Mclean has been a supporter of the Massachusetts Councils on Aging for a number of years. When I took over as the interim chief about two and a half years ago, a priority for me was to really expand our work with organizations that are embedded deeply within the community.” This proactive approach by McLean recognized the crucial role COAs play in the lives of older adults, often being the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health issues.
Marie Clouqueur, Director of Caregiver Services and the GUIDE program at McLean, underscores the ever-present nature of behavioral health concerns. “Behavioral health isn’t going anywhere. It’s everywhere all the time, always 24/7, and the staff at COAs are constantly hit with that every day.” This reality necessitates comprehensive training that covers a wide spectrum of behavioral health topics, from acute crises to long-term support. The training series, structured into three parts, addresses common behavioral health conditions, crisis response strategies, and the unique challenges of dementia care, including support for caregivers.
McLean’s Commitment to Community Partnership
The partnership with MCOA is deeply embedded in McLean Hospital’s mission to extend its expertise beyond its walls. Dr. Vahia emphasizes, “This partnership exemplifies the best of McLean’s mission. We see it as a core part of our mission of providing the best mental health care to the community, as also being thoughtful in the ways in which we expand our expertise.” This commitment means bringing specialized knowledge directly to those who need it most, rather than expecting individuals to navigate complex healthcare systems on their own.
Dr. Vahia highlights the strategic importance of this collaboration: “MCOA is that community, at the front line in communities working with older adults where they live. They also are the ones who are the first people to come across challenges, often the first people to hear about behavioral health issues.” This direct connection allows McLean to contribute meaningfully to community well-being by empowering those already serving older adults.
Tangible Benefits for COA Staff
The impact of this training series on COA staff has been significant, providing both practical skills and a renewed sense of support:
- Enhanced De-escalation Skills: The training emphasizes a nonjudgmental approach to de-escalation, encouraging staff to understand the underlying distress driving outbursts. Dr. Vahia explains, “recognize that the reason they are having these outbursts towards you is in some ways an acknowledgement that you are a safe space for them to have the outbursts to begin with.” This shift in perspective, combined with practical techniques, helps staff manage challenging situations more effectively.
- Prioritizing Self-Care: Recognizing the demanding nature of their work, the training also dedicates time to self-care and stress first aid. Marie Clouqueur notes, “one of the best ways that we can help support older adults is to support the people who are already on the front lines doing the work so that they can stay healthy and engaged in the work and not burn out.” This focus on well-being is crucial for preventing burnout and ensuring the continued dedication of COA professionals.
- Real-World Problem Solving through Office Hours: The virtual office hours, held after each in-person session, have proven to be an invaluable resource. They offer a platform for COA staff to discuss specific case scenarios and receive individualized guidance from McLean clinicians. Dr. Vahia describes it as “real-world problem solving,” where staff can adapt and tailor the learned approaches to unique situations, fostering a deeper understanding and application of the training material.
This partnership between MCOA and McLean Hospital is a powerful example of how collaborative efforts can significantly enhance the capabilities of community-based organizations, ultimately leading to improved behavioral health outcomes for older adults across Massachusetts.
