A Model for Community-Based Mental Health Services for Older Adults:

Utilization of care services among the oldest old

“…This indicates that at least certain groups of older adults are using care services, but there may be some problems with current care services. According to Black and Mindell (1996) and Schoenberg, Coward, and Albrecht (2001), although there is agreement about the benefits of community-based service, there appear to be low rates of use relative to need. Cheung et al (2005) also suggested that care services lack a caring component and infringe on autonomy and decision making by only providing limited choices.…”

Strengths perspective in social work practice with older adults

“…The prevalence of mental health problems among elderly is high, while utilization and availability of specialized psychiatric service is very low (Black & Mindell, 1996). Lack of specialized services and poor coordination of existing services result in mental health problems going unrecognized, undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, and untreated.…”

“…According to Black & Mindell (1996), future program services to the elderly will be provided almost exclusively in the older adults ' homes or residential care facilities , and will include extensive outreach, linkage and collaboration with community resources, and innovative treatment strategies that provide accessible and culturally relevant services. The effort to maintain clients in the community will require an expansion of the traditional therapist/case manager role to include help with such tasks as banking, home repairs, shopping and food preparation, and help to access medical care (Black & Mindell, 1996).…”

“…The effort to maintain clients in the community will require an expansion of the traditional therapist/case manager role to include help with such tasks as banking, home repairs, shopping and food preparation, and help to access medical care (Black & Mindell, 1996). This will be necessary both to meet the needs of isolated older adults and to foster acceptance of mental health services, such as counseling and medication (Black & Mindell, 1996). This will require more professionals working with the elderly and more comprehensive training of professionals.…”