Question

what are some of the challenges in the delivery of mental health services for the elderly in USA ? ( 300 words)

Answer 1

Tackling psychiatric illness in geriatric/elderly patients can be difficult due to many reasons as they can suffer from loss of spouse, loss of mobility and independence, and declining physical and mental health.

There are following leading problems in elderly:

Depression and Suicide

Symptoms of depression and anxiety in older Americans are very common

Alzheimer's disease and Dementia

Dementia is characterized by the irreversible deterioration of intellectual ability, accompanied by emotional disturbances. And Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Substance Abuse

Alcohol and medication abuse is a major problem for older Americans

Based on the above mentioned problems I can conclude that there is need of Geropsychologists.

As Geropsychologists the experts who conduct behaviorally-based treatments to address primary mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety in elderly patients.

And put their efforts in managing cognitive impairments.

At the same time they apply their knowledge &techniques of psychology to help older persons and their families for maintaining well being, improving quality of life, overcoming problems, and achieve maximum potential success in elderly care.

There are following suggestions to be adopted to overcome such problems:

• Improved Quality of Care Coordination
• Better and Timely Access to Care
• Increased Productivity
• Increased phychological concern
• Consideration of cultural & racial beliefs

Hence by adopting such practices we can overcome the challenges of elderly care, offering better and effective delivery of mental health services.