Depression and mental health in care homes for older people

Abstract

About five per cent of ‐ generally very frail ‐ older people live in long‐term care in the UK; approximately a fifth of all deaths occur in care homes. Depression and dementia are prevalent mental health conditions in care homes; depression is reported in around a third of residents and dementia in two thirds. While there is some evidence about efficacy of medication in treating psychiatric and behavioural symptoms among residents, much less is known about the potential role of psychosocial interventions in enhancing mental health and quality of life. Quality of care varies widely across the carehome sector including support from primary and specialist health and quality and level of training. In terms of enhancing care quality, there is evidence that investing in staff training and conditions, establishing good links with healthcare providers, and developing care standards that genuinely promote good practice are likely to improve resident quality of life. This is an exciting area for research development and practice innovation for the future; taking account of users perspective, holds particular potential.

Citation

Dening, T. and Milne, A. (2009), "Depression and mental health in care homes for older people", Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, Vol. 10 No. 1, pp. 40-46. https://doi.org/10.1108/14717794200900007