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This Web site is a component of the SAMHSA Health Information Network.

Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for Senior Living Communities

Enhancing the Well-Being of Older Adults

Statistics show that adults age 65 and older have one of the highest suicide rates of any age group in the United States. This new toolkit from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) teaches staff working in senior living communities how to recognize and take steps to help someone at risk of suicide. The ideas presented in this toolkit can help prevent suicides, promote mental health, and create an environment that will enhance the well-being of residents and staff alike.

The Toolkit Includes materials to help create and implement policies, protocols, programs, and activities to promote mental health and prevent suicide among older adults. Discusses strategies to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors for all residents, regardless of their risk for suicide. Focuses on what facilities should do after suicides and suicide attempts.   Sign up now to opt-in to our customer satisfaction survey! We welcome your feedback and want to know how you used the toolkit. Tell us how the kit is working for you!

All components of the kits are available for download below. Hardcopies of the kits will be available soon. To pre-order your hardcopy kit now, please call 1-877-SAMHSA-7.

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view PDFs.

• Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide: A Toolkit for Senior Living Communities (PDF, 3.4 MB)
• A Guide to Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide in Senior Living Communities (PDF, 1.7 MB)
• Trainer’s Manual for Promoting Mental Health and Preventing Suicide in Senior Living Communities (PDF, 2.5 MB)
• Fact Sheets for Residents: Look Out for the Well-Being of Yourself and Others (PDF, 929 KB)
• Staff Workshop 1: Understanding Suicide Prevention in Senior Living Communities (PDF, 927 KB)
• Staff Workshop 2: Implementing Strategies to Prevent Suicide in Senior Living Communities) (PDF, 600 KB)
• Family and Resident Workshop: Promoting Emotional Well-Being of Residents in Senior Living Communities (PDF, 532 KB)