Training psychologists for service delivery in long-term care settings

Population changes have resulted in a growing number of older individuals i n long-term care settings, and an impetus for training professionals compet ent to meet their specialized needs. Working in the environment of long-ter m care requires the professional to be attuned to the unique needs of the p atients and staff. Specific tasks, such as psychological assessment, compet ency determinations, work within the structure of an interdisciplinary team , and staff development, are reviewed here in relation to work in this sett ing. Guidelines for training at the various levels, along with resources ar e also discussed.