Citation

Wilson NL, McNeill AP. Generations 2010; 34(1): 94-96.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, American Society on Aging)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Depression affects 5% to 15% of community-dwelling older adults and is associated with greater symptom burden from other health conditions and increased risk of suicide and overall mortality. Home- and community-based service providers, especially care coordinators and case managers, typically serve the older adults at greatest risk of having undetected and untreated depression: those who have multiple chronic health problems and functional disability, lack financial resources, and are socially isolated. Successful approaches to recognizing and treating depression in older adults have been well-documented and advanced through the efforts of major national organizations, philanthropy, and federal and state agencies. To help overcome barriers such as stigma or access to services, multiple expert panels have recommended implementing the collaborative-care or depression-care-management approach, which has been effectively implemented in primary care settings, and in home health and community-based aging service agencies. © 2010 American Society on Aging.

Language: en