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Geriatric Psychologist

Learn how you can help the elderly as a geriatric psychologist.

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Geriatric psychologists deal with the special problems faced by the elderly. The emergence and growth of these specialties reflects the increasing participation of psychologists in providing direct services to special patient populations. Geriatric psychologists hold PhD degrees in psychology.

There was little focus on geriatric psychology prior to the 1970s, but as physicians in the United States began to age, they realized they needed to understand age-related illnesses such as Alzheimer's Disease, depression and dementia.

 
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Salaries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for geropsychologists will rise as baby boomers retire and the need for specialists to help people deal with the mental and physical changes that occur with aging increases. In their 2011 wage report, Salary.com estimates that a geriatric psychologist who is certified can expect to earn around $150,000 annually.

Work Environment

With the baby boomer generation aging and the fact that a larger percentage of the population will be elderly, geriatric psychologists will be in demand. These professionals help older adults deal with change, stress, death, memory problems and anxiety in a healthy fashion. Sometimes emotional problems occur in people who are coping with chronic pain, heart disease, diabetes and strokes, and geriatric psychologists assist in easing their suffering.

Geriatric psychologists see elderly patients in many environments, such as these:

  • Private practice office
  • Hospitals
  • Clinics
  • Long-term care facilities
  • Independent or assisted living facility

Geriatric psychologists may also work with physicians and primary care-givers and act as advisers to nurses and other health care professionals. Advocacy for public health care policy and educating the community could also play an important part in a geriatric psychology career.

 
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geriatric psychologist with patient

Did You Know?

  • The field of geriatric psychology is different from gerontology, which is the study of aging, because it deals with how the process of aging affects an individual.
  • The name "geriatric" comes from the Greek and translates to "geros," which means "old man," and "iatros," which is literally interpreted as "healer."

Psychology Careers at a Glance

Access basic information on many psychology career specialties.