Course participants will learn how to:

• recognize signs that an older adult may be experiencing a decline in their mental well-being or a crisis
• have conversations that encourage an older adult to:
  - talk about declines in their mental well-being
  - discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery
  - reach out to these supports
• assist with helpful actions in a mental health or substance use crisis
• use MHFA actions to maintain one’s own mental well-being.

Topics:

• The Mental Health First Aid Action Plan
• Things that a first aider needs to know to help an older adult:
  - The relationship between mental health problems and aging
  - Signs of declining mental well-being and of crisis situations
  - Helpful resources for older adults living with a mental health and/or substance use problem and the people who care for these individuals
  - How to communicate effectively with older adults, including those from marginalized populations
  - Roles and responsibilities of people who assist an older adult
• Practise applying MHFA actions to:
  - Common disorders: anxiety, depression, or substance use problems
  - Crisis situations: suicidal thoughts and behaviours, onset of dementia, reaction to a traumatic event, or severe effects from substance use.