‘Radical Shift’ Needed To Improve Services

The government has been charged with neglecting elderly people who suffer from mental health issues, in a new report.

The independent inquiry – funded by Age Concern – made 35 recommendations in total, based on expert advice from The London School of Economic and The Royal College of Nursing.

Dr June Crown, chairwoman of the inquiry, said: “Our report draws attention to groups of older people who are currently invisible in the UK, who have been denied the fair treatment that should be a hallmark of a civilised society.” Underpinning all the recommendations was an overarching call for the government to act.

Ms Crown continued: “We have no excuse for inaction, and no time to waste. We need a radical shift to improve services and support for older people with mental health problems.”

The report said the Department of Health (DoH) needs to eliminate age discrimination in mental health, challenge stigma, support older people and their carers, and improve housing and social care services. The inquiry report reveals mental health problems affect many more people in later life than previously believed.

The report highlights how older people with mental health needs are often ignored and receive little support services. Among the many statistics given was the revelation that women over 75 are more likely to take their own lives compared to any other age group.

Furthermore, the report found evidence suggesting the 55-74 age group accounts for the highest number of alcohol related deaths in UK, caused by the knock-on effects of inadequate treatment for mental health problems.

With the rising numbers of older people the situation is set to deteriorate. Without a major change in policy and practice, the report claims there will be 3.5 million older people with symptoms of depression and nearly 1 million with dementia by 2021.