Geriatric Mental Health Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

Chapter 12 Complementary and Alternative Approaches 227
ing conditions. Existing mental health conditions may be heightened, and
in some cases previously unmanifested symptoms and conditions may
arise. One of the advantages of herbal medicine over recently introduced
drugs, or even many supplements for that matter, is that there exists a tremendous
amount of empirical knowledge based on centuries of clinical
use by trained practitioners. More and more reliable scientific data on medicinal
plants are becoming available in the medical literature. While a
simple use of gentle herbs is accessible to all, a more complex or serious
condition calls for an expert in the field of herbal medicine just as in any
other modality or specialization. Facilities wishing to put together a toolkit
of herbal and aromatherapy remedies and to train staff in their proper usage
should work in consultation with a qualified herbalist if it is not possible
to have an herbalist on staff. A qualified herbalist can also consult on
subject matter generally not well understood by conventional practitioners
but crucial to the effective use of herbal medicine, such as herbal product
quality. Most communities have at least one such qualified practitioner.
The American Herbalists Guild (2009) is an excellent resource for identifying
well-qualified practitioners.
SPIRITUAL CARE
Spirituality
Spirituality is a relationship with a God, an other being, or a connection
to an energy that keeps one centered (Moberg, 2002). Many older persons
who report a spiritual connection have better physical and mental
health than their peers (Mackenzie, Rajagopal, Meibohm, & Lavizzo-
Mourey, 2000; Shaw, Joseph, & Linley, 2005). Disaster survivors who call
upon their spirituality increase their resiliency and ability to regain control
of their lives (Farley, 2007). The spiritual beliefs of disaster survivors
allow them to comprehend and integrate what has happened within the
broader context of life’s journey (Koenig, 2006). Decker (1993) noted that
even when trauma has caused psychological distress, there is a search for
spiritual meaning following a disaster.
Eighty-five percent of older adults state that religion and spirituality
are important in their lives, and 95% of the adult population use prayer
as a form of spiritual expression (Lewis, 2001). Banerjee et al. (2009)
emphasize four distinct subdomains within his choice and choosing model,
which has been adapted from the work of Gurland and his associates