Developing a psychological professions workforce that is passionate, skilled and supported to work well with older people

Abstract

Image by In-Press Photography via Centre for Ageing Better This article seeks to identify the key elements necessary to develop an effective psychological practitioner workforce ready to work with older people with a range of needs across multiple settings. It highlights the demand for psychological skills linked with the increasing age of the population and the need to expand the workforce accordingly. The role of the Faculty of the Psychology of Older People (FPOP) in advocating for greater emphasis on older adult needs is noted alongside their work in delivering the training and supervision required. Their published work linked with psychological therapies and dementia interventions is discussed, alongside established conference and bulletin outputs. The paper moves to discuss specific psychological practitioner workforce needs and developments across clinical psychology training courses, NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression services, the Community Mental Health (CMHT) Transformation agenda and work within dementia and neurodegenerative conditions. Throughout the importance of leadership, consultancy and supervision are highlighted as well as the need to consider older adult needs within a framework of equality, diversity and inclusion, with a critical eye to the role ageism may play in impeding progress. Ultimately, working psychologically with older people requires expertise and a diverse skill set, the privilege of working with fascinating people which leads to a fulfilling role working with other enthusiastic and supportive clinicians.