by Bronwyn Keefe, PhD, MSW, MPH

Senior centers serve as critical venues for fostering the well-being and social engagement of older adults. However, beyond their traditional roles, these centers are increasingly recognized as frontline settings for addressing behavioral health concerns among aging populations. As the demographic shift towards a larger older adult population continues, mental health issues —including depression, substance use disorders, and suicide risk—are becoming more prevalent and warrant targeted interventions. According to SAMHSA, an estimated 1.5 million older adults have a serious mental health conditions, yet data is limited on what percentage of this population attends senior centers. A National Survey of Area Agencies on Aging suggests that almost a third of these agencies have or would like to have resources to serve older adults with serious mental health conditions (https://www.usaging.org/Files/AAA-Survey-Report-new-identity-508.pdf).

Recent research and training initiatives have focused on equipping senior center personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and respond effectively to these behavioral health needs (Keefe, Beaugard, & Tripken, 2023). Such efforts are essential, given the well-documented gaps in mental health service utilization among older adults and the critical role community-based settings like senior centers can play in bridging these gaps.

The Rationale for Behavioral Health Training in Senior Centers

Older adults frequently experience behavioral health challenges that often go unrecognized and untreated. Notably, suicide rates are disproportionately high in those aged 75 and older, and substance use disorders among this group are frequently overlooked. Contributing factors include limited access to specialized services and a workforce that may lack adequate training in geriatric behavioral health. Senior centers represent one of the most accessible points of contact for older adults, with over 11,000 centers nationwide. By empowering staff through specialized training programs, these centers can become critical nodes for early identification, intervention, and linkage to appropriate care.

Overview of Training Programs: Competency-Focused Approach

The Center for Aging & Disability Education & Research (CADER) at Boston University School of Social Work has developed an innovative Behavioral Health and Aging certificate program to build knowledge and skills in mental health and substance use as they relate to older adults. The curriculum is competency-focused, meaning it’s designed to deliver practical, usable skills that staff can apply immediately.

This five-course certificate program equips people with the knowledge and skills to address the complex behavioral health needs of older adults. Learners explore mental health conditions, suicide prevention strategies, and how substance use can uniquely impact older adults. People will also gain practical strategies for recognizing dementia symptoms and supporting individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. The program also emphasizes mental wellness among older immigrants and refugees, highlighting the resilience and strengths in these populations. After completing the certificate, learners are prepared to provide compassionate, person-centered support that promotes the well-being of older adults.

Evidence from Participant Feedback and Impact

Participants in these programs have demonstrated significant increases in self-reported competencies as measured pre-post training, which translates to improved confidence and effectiveness in their roles.

Qualitative data from participants reveal several key themes.

1. Increased Awareness and Observation Skills

Staff feel more alert to mental health cues they might have previously missed. As one participant put it, “I feel more observant… it’s easier to recognize some of the signs.”

2. Boosted Confidence in Supporting Older Adults

Knowing how to address difficult issues like suicide risk or substance abuse leaves staff feeling more equipped. Another shared, “It bolstered my confidence and I’m more aware of resources out there.”

3. Organizational Changes and Community Partnerships

At an organizational level, the training has prompted initiatives to strengthen collaboration with local mental health providers, particularly in underserved and rural communities.

These outcomes suggest that training not only benefits individual staff but also fosters systemic enhancements in service delivery.

Key Factors for Successful Training Implementation

A few factors stand out when looking at programs that really make a difference:

• Accessible Online Learning: Allowing staff across various geographies and schedules to participate without the barrier of travel time.
• Competency-Based Curriculum: Focusing on mastery of skills, not just knowledge.
• Ongoing Support and Resources: Providing follow-up materials and connection opportunities to reinforce learning.
• Cultural Humility: Emphasizing the needs of diverse populations, including immigrants and refugees, to ensure care is respectful and effective for all older adults.

Conclusion

Enhancing behavioral health competencies among senior center staff represents a vital strategy for addressing the complex needs of an aging population. By investing in workforce development, communities can ensure that senior centers serve not only as hubs of socialization but also as proactive environments that identify, support, and connect older adults to essential mental health services.

Moving forward, continued evaluation and dissemination of best practices will be necessary to maximize impact and sustainability. Engaging stakeholders across sectors will further strengthen these efforts and ultimately contribute to better health outcomes for older adults.

Resources

For people interested in implementing or participating in these training programs or others, the Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research (CADER) at Boston University School of Social Work offers comprehensive certificate programs tailored to the competencies needed for the aging services workforce.

Additional resources include the National Council on Aging (NCOA), which provides information and tools related to senior mental health and wellness, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which offers extensive materials on behavioral health best practices.

To learn more about the partnership between CADER and NCOA, please visit this website.