Suicide Prevention for Home Health Care

Course overview

Over the past decade, the number of suicides has risen as more individuals report suicidal thoughts and risk factors continue to increase. With the increase of attempts and completed suicides, the need for suicide prevention is greater than ever. The impact that suicide has had on society cannot be measured as families and entire communities can be impacted when someone commits suicide, creating increased risk for all. There have been programs successfully implemented to help prevent and respond to suicide, though research continues to address population specific risks. While working in home health care, professionals should know the signs and symptoms of suicidal behavior as well as effective methods of intervention. This overview of suicide prevention will focus on the risk factors for suicide and discuss in detail the most effective prevention approaches.