Judging from epidemiological data, treatment revisions were almost certainly insufficient to address residents' mental health needs. We discuss ways of harnessing existing nursing and pharmacy resources to ensure better care for aged residents.

Although subject to limitations, the current study indicated that clinical depression in nursing home facilities most often occurs in residents who also exhibit pronounced cognitive impairment. These depressions are unlikely to remit spontaneously. Accordingly, care staff and general practitioners must be trained in the identification of depression in dementia, and any interventions implemented in these facilities should be tailored to meet the unique needs of this group.

The results of this study suggest that the psychosocial and medical management of depressed aged care residents can be improved by increasing access to specialist mental health consultation.

No abstract