27 April 2009
In a report published today by the Mental Health Foundation, the charity says that mental health and social care services are in need of a major shake up to care for the growing numbers of older people with mental ill health, and cope with the demanding nature of the baby boomer generation.
It also warns that extra investment will be needed to implement changes stemming from the Equality Bill, announced today in the House of Commons.
The size of the older population is increasing considerably faster than previously expected [1] and the result, according to the Foundation, will be a significant rise in the numbers of older people with depression, as well as an increase in those with dementia. Figures show that 2.4 million people over 65 currently experience depression and this is expected to reach more than 3.1 million by 2021 [2].
In All things being equal report, the charity warns that the growth in numbers will have significant implications for mental health and social care services that are already struggling to provide support to people over the age of 65. And the post war generation of baby boomers, equipped with higher expectations of services than their parents, are unlikely to accept a poor level of care.
Already there are signs that baby boomers are becoming more demanding of services, not only in relation to their own health needs but for family relatives for whom many are now caring [3].
New legislation
The warning comes as the Equality Bill enters parliament, which should enable people aged 65 and over to access the same range of treatments currently available to younger adults with mental health problems.
The Mental Health Foundation says that whilst the new legislation is positive, local authorities and primary care trusts will need adequate financial investment to truly improve both access and availability of services to older people, and ensure equitable provision. Estimates suggest that eliminating age discrimination in mental health services could require £2 billion of extra spending [4].
Without such investment, the passing of the Equality Bill will put pressure on already stretched services and could result in inadequate care for all age groups.
Comment
Simon Lawton-Smith, Head of Policy at the Mental Health Foundation, said:
“The assumption that mental ill health is a natural part of ageing must be challenged. People are living longer and should be supported in later life, not left alone to cope with illnesses like depression. Now is the time to push for better mental health care for all older people.
“Services are under enormous pressure already and as a consequence very many older people with mental health problems are not getting the help they need. The Equality Bill and an aging population will worsen the situation unless money and time is invested to transform mental health and social care services.”
Recommendations
In ‘All Things Being Equal’, the charity makes a number of recommendations, including the introduction of national awareness campaigns to encourage older people to look after their mental health and stay emotionally well. This kind of promotion activity can help prevent mental health problems.
Ends
[1] The Age Agenda: Public Policy and Older People
[2] Age Concern and the Mental Health Foundation – Promoting mental health and well-being in later life (2006)
[3] Biggs S., Phillipson, C., Leach, R. & Money, A (2007) Baby boomers and adult ageing: issues for social and public policy. Quality in Ageing 8, 3
[4] Beecham, J., Knapp, M., Fernandez, J.L., Huxley, P., Mangalore, R., McCrone, P., Snell, T., Winter, B., Wittenberg, R. (2008) Age Discrimination in Mental Health services
For more information call the Mental Health Foundation press office 020 7803 1130/28 or email sloveland@mhf.org.uk
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems. We work to influence policy, including government at the highest levels. And we use our knowledge to raise awareness and to help tackle the stigma attached to mental illness. We reach millions of people every year through our media work, information booklets and online services.
Back to News Releases 2009
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
