Health Care Professionals
From 2002 to 2019 the suicide rate for Canadian men 65 years of age and older nearly doubled from 23 out of 100,000 to 40. Rates of hospitalization associated with self-harm are even higher for both men and women, and it is likely that these numbers underestimate the true rates. Health care professionals need to be aware that older adults may avoid volunteering depressive or suicidal symptoms and that presentation may appear more as somatic symptoms.
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Resources
Clinical Guidelines (2006)
Clinician’s Pocket Card
CCSMH has developed best-practice clinical guidelines to support health care professionals when working with older adults who may be having thoughts of self-harm.
Suicide: Assessment & Prevention for Older Adults
CCSMH Late Life Suicide Prevention Toolkit
Evaluations (For Facilitators and For Learners)