Undocumented Aging Immigrants and Impact on Mental Health Care

• Published in: The American journal of geriatric psychiatry 2023-03, Vol.31 (3), p.S16-S16
• Main Authors: Mitra, Paroma, Kim, Katherine, Popeo, Dennis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1064-7481; 1545-7214
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2022.12.296

The near elderly and elderly population in the United States has slowly increased and a significant number now constitute of undocumented immigrants who also have one or more chronic health conditions. Diabetes, hypertension, and cancer are most common however it is well known that undocumented immigrants often have a high incidence of mental health disorders that may be undiagnosed given limited access to care. The elderly are even more vulnerable to lack of access of care and given the cross section of poor mental and physical care suffer from consequences of otherwise preventable chronic health conditions. This presentation will explore the following: 1. Define the terms “immigrant”, “documented”, “undocumented”, first generation, second generation. 2. Will discuss trauma of immigration and impact on mental health specifically in the elderly 3.Will review literature available on mental and cognitive health care of undocumented elderly immigrants 4. Will identify resources that may be helpful for geriatric psychiatrists and other associated providers including screening materials