Learn How CADER’s Course on Mental Health and Aging for Faith Leaders Improves Support for Older Adults  

Older adults often turn to their faith leaders for mental health support, yet many faith leaders do not have adequate training in this area. This was a natural touchpoint for the Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research (CADER) at BU School of Social Work (BUSSW), where professors and researchers developed an online course specifically for them. This evidence-informed program trains faith leaders to understand mental health concerns common among older adults and the barriers to intervention. Once the leaders learn to recognize the signs of these challenges, they can better support older adults and help them and their families access the mental health services they need.  

We recently spoke with Kathy Kuhn, licensed social worker and CADER course co-author; and faith leaders Pastor Steve Epting from Hope Community Church and the Alive Faith Network, and Reverend Philomena Hare from First Congregational Church of Wareham, about the course and its impact on older adults.  

When did you first recognize the need for a course for faith leaders in mental health support for older adults?

Kathy Kuhn: As a social worker, it became apparent that supporting older adults emotionally needs to include community providers. When the CADER team spoke to faith leaders, we learned that they did not always have specific training in mental health and aging, but that they valued developing that skillset if there was an opportunity. Faith leaders play an important role in the wellbeing of older adults. Older adults are more likely to turn to faith leaders in times of stress and distress than mental health providers.  

How does this course prepare faith leaders to support older adults?

Kathy Kuhn: As older individuals and their families struggle with these issues, faith leaders can be an important resource. The course focuses on how faith leaders can help in difficult situations for older adults and their families. For instance, a congregant might say, “My mother keeps leaving the stove on but tells me that she’s fine. What should I do next?” Or an older adult might say, “I used to go to the senior center, but I just don’t have an interest in going out anymore.” The course trains faith leaders to identify and address these common scenarios that might be signs of mental health concerns.

How did this training benefit your work as a faith leader?  

Reverend Philomena Hare: When [the members of my congregation] have a crisis, I’m usually the first person that they will talk to about what’s troubling them. This course opened my eyes to some of the challenges my community faces, such as depression, cognitive impairment, and loneliness. It helped me to provide better pastoral care.

The course also emphasized not narrowly defining individuals as older adults. We need to be aware that these are unique individuals who have had rich, fulfilling lives and that they bring all of these experiences with them.

Pastor Steve Epting: I’ve been able to incorporate what I’ve learned in the course into some of the ministry aspects that we have in our congregation. We have a senior ministry that serves older adults, and we now have a better understanding of how to support people who need to share their thoughts, or who need to access activities that support their mental health.

CADER is dedicated to training faith leaders to ensure that they feel confident in their ability to assist older adults with mental health concerns. The center continues to develop additional training for faith leaders in issues such as substance use among older adults and plans to expand offerings in this area.

Learn more about the Mental Health and Aging for Faith Leaders online course.