Care home residents suffer depression

As many as two-fifths of older people who live in care homes
experience depression, says older people’s charity Help the
Aged.

Information officer Gill Heath said depression was the most common
mental health problem among older people. About one in eight of
those living at home were affected.

But despite the prevalence of mental health problems among older
people, they often face serious gaps in service provision. Although
standard 7 of the older people’s national service framework covered
mental health, they do not always get the help they need.

“Service provision is patchy around the country,” said Heath.
“Where people are can determine the quality of care they receive.”