geriatrics
Effects of Life Transitions on Older Adults
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The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource. National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) Toolkit. This web site provides an easy-to-use, brief, direct, validated screening instrument that helps health care professionals assess a person's risk of suicide. This tool consists of 4 questions and takes 20 seconds to use. The NIMH provides guidance and scripts for health care professionals. Accessed 3/19/23. The Columbia Lighthouse Project: The Columbia Protocol for Healthcare and Other Community Settings. This protocol (also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale) is a free, evidence-based screening instrument with tailored guidance for different settings and free online training. It helps health care professionals determine whether a person is at risk of suicide, assess how severe and imminent the risk is, and estimate how much support that person needs. Accessed 3/19/23. Suicide Is Different: This web site provides guidance, tool kits, and coaching to help family members and caregivers support a person with suicidal ideation and to remain well themselves. Accessed 3/19/23. Zero Suicide: This web site provides resources and training tools to improve suicide care in health care systems. It discusses strategies that can help improve care; they include training for staff members, use of comprehensive screening and assessment tools, involving people at risk of suicide in their management plan, and using evidence-based treatments. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA provides a mobile app that helps health care professionals identify and evaluate patients who are at risk of suicide. It provides information, assessment tools, and resources where patients can get support. 