Citation

Li LW, Conwell Y. Gerontologist 2007; 47(4): 528-534.

Affiliation

University of Michigan School of Social Work, 1080 S. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106, USA. lydiali@umich.edu

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Oxford University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17766673

PMCID

PMC2855310

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study describes the mental health status of community-living frail elders in Michigan and identifies subgroups of individuals who are vulnerable to mental health problems. DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed the baseline assessment data collected from older adults who were admitted to two community-based long-term-care programs in Michigan (N = 18,939). RESULTS: Results show that 40.5% of the individuals in the sample have recognized mental disorders, 39.6% use psychotropic medications, 24.5% have probable depression, and 1.4% have self-injury thoughts or attempts. Frail elders who are White, younger, and female - as well as those who experience more pain, disease burden, cognitive impairment, and limitations in instrumental activities of daily living - are more prone to psychological distress. IMPLICATIONS: Mental health care is greatly needed by community-living frail elders.

Language: en