Older Adults and Suicide: Protective Pathways to Apply SHORES in Counseling.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Older Adults and Suicide: Protective Pathways to Apply SHORES in Counseling.
Authors:	Ellenson, Anna A., Cureton, Jenny L.
Source:	Adultspan Journal. Spring2026, Vol. 25 Issue 1, p1-13. 13p.
Subjects:	Protective factors, Suicide, Ethical problems, Counseling, Mental health, Training of counselors, Suicide prevention, Mnemonics
Abstract:	Older adult suicide (OAS) is a growing concern as the U.S. population continues to age and access to counseling expands. Despite legal and ethical requirements, counselors are often underprepared to address suicide in later life, especially through the lens of suicide protective factors (SPFs). This conceptual article introduces SHORES, a research-informed mnemonic (Skills and strategies for coping, Hope, Objections to suicide, Reasons for living/Restriction of means, Engaged care, and Support), to help counselors assess, intervene, and plan treatment with older adults. We review literature on OAS, highlight gaps in counselor training, and provide an application guide for using SHORES with older adult clients. We discuss implementation strategies, ethical considerations, and training implications, positioning SHORES as a practical and culturally intentional tool to support counselors in addressing SPFs with their older adult clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection

Description
Abstract:	Older adult suicide (OAS) is a growing concern as the U.S. population continues to age and access to counseling expands. Despite legal and ethical requirements, counselors are often underprepared to address suicide in later life, especially through the lens of suicide protective factors (SPFs). This conceptual article introduces SHORES, a research-informed mnemonic (Skills and strategies for coping, Hope, Objections to suicide, Reasons for living/Restriction of means, Engaged care, and Support), to help counselors assess, intervene, and plan treatment with older adults. We review literature on OAS, highlight gaps in counselor training, and provide an application guide for using SHORES with older adult clients. We discuss implementation strategies, ethical considerations, and training implications, positioning SHORES as a practical and culturally intentional tool to support counselors in addressing SPFs with their older adult clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	15246817
DOI:	10.33470/2161-0029.1223