The Use of Complementary and Alternative Interventions as a Holistic Approach with Older Adults

摘要

The use of complementary and alternative interventions by health care clinicians, in particular social workers, as a method to relieve chronic conditions, such as depressive symptoms in older adults, is addressed in this paper. Psychotherapy, pharmaceuticals, and other medical interventions are often enhanced when accompanied by alternative practices like yoga. Practitioners can learn to use these methods and/or work with a clinician who has a particular alternative skill set. Bringing complementary interventions into one's practice assures that older adults are receiving “best practices.”