Meeting Mental Health Needs of Older People: Policy and Practice Issues for Social Work

An examination of mental health issues discussed at the 1995 White House Conference on Aging (Washington, DC) reveals significant unmet mental health needs in all segments of the aging population. It is contended that the relationship between physical & mental illness has been largely ignored, a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of gerontological social work 1997-01, Vol.27 (3), p.45-54
Main Authors: Rosen, Anita L., Persky, Trudy
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aging
Elderly
Mental Health
Mental Health Services
Needs Assessment
Older people
Social Work
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Summary:An examination of mental health issues discussed at the 1995 White House Conference on Aging (Washington, DC) reveals significant unmet mental health needs in all segments of the aging population. It is contended that the relationship between physical & mental illness has been largely ignored, as have prevention & early intervention. Barriers to mental health services for the aged include (1) negative attitudes on the part of both professionals & older clients; (2) fragmented services & lack of leadership; (3) lack of adequately trained nursing home staff; (4) disincentives built into mental health services funding; & (5) lack of an organized advocacy movement. Many of these problems were addressed in a strong resolution passed by the conference. It is suggested that education programs in gerontological social work put more emphasis on mental health training, & advocacy groups focus on coalition building aimed at prevention & early intervention. A multiservice & multidisciplinary approach at state & local levels is also recommended. 34 References. J. Lindroth
ISSN:0163-4372
1540-4048
DOI:10.1300/J083V27N03_04