Mental Health Care for Aging Adults: Strategies for Overcoming Stigma, Inequities, and Treatment Gaps

There’s a great deal of focus at the moment on the mental health challenges of younger populations. For instance, the impact of social media on self-harm and suicide rates or the rise of burnout in the culture of overwork. These are vital points of concern that deserve attention. Yet, one of the issues that tends to get less focus is the mental wellness of older adults.

It’s not new for older individuals to become somewhat lost in discussions about imperatives to improve society. Yet, without a focus on these citizens, there’s a serious chance that a deepening mental health crisis will continue to grow. Feeling unseen and unsupported can further disrupt the psychological and physical well-being of a population that is already vulnerable in several ways.

The better we understand the various barriers to good mental health care for older adults, the more power we have to find strategies to address them.

Understanding and Overcoming Stigma

One of the main barriers for older people in accessing mental health care is the ever-present sense of stigma. This should be no surprise, as it continues to be a problematic influence across many demographics, often driven by fear and misunderstanding. While there’s undoubtedly been some recent progress in making mental wellness a more widely discussed and accepted topic, there are still significant issues.

On a systemic level, public health efforts to raise the profile of mental wellness must focus on older populations. A study from San Francisco State University — “The Influence of Stigma and Views on Mental Health Treatment Effectiveness on Service Use by Age and Ethnicity: Evidence From the CDC” — recommends using persons from similar demographics in delivering messaging. Community health professionals and spokespersons from the same age, race, and ethnic background can foster a sense of trust and relatability in making the case for more open mental wellness discussions with older populations.

Clear and accurate information about the benefits of mental health treatment can disrupt stigma. It’s also vital to provide reassurance on concerns influencing older adults concerning the stigma they fear they may face.

Addressing Systemic Disparities

Another challenge older adults can face when seeking mental health care is the significant systemic disparities. There are still insufficient facilities and professionals to provide older adults with the care they need.

Given how vital it is to ensure aging adults have mental health care, it’s important to examine the factors that contribute to unequal access. Some of the key points include:

Geographic availability: One of the main systemic barriers to good mental health care for older adults is that some geographical locations have poorer access to services than others. In particular, rural areas and communities populated mainly by non-white individuals often have fewer local resources. This means that, if they’re able to get help at all, patients in these areas may have to travel longer distances to get mental health assistance. Such issues are particularly problematic for older adults experiencing other health conditions that affect mobility.
Number of experienced professionals: According to a publication by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — “Older Adults Living with Mental Illness” — the needs of older people living with serious mental health conditions continue to exceed the number of behavioral health providers trained in geriatric care. As a result, older adults may not be getting the most appropriate expert care for their needs.

Addressing Systemic Issues

The only sustainable way that the growing number of older adults are likely to get the help they need is with a commitment to investment. This may include state and federal agencies providing incentives for companies to open practices in underserved communities. As the SAMHSA report suggests, there also needs to be training to provide geriatric psychiatric expertise.

In the short term, telemedicine mental health services are another potential way to bridge the systemic geographic gaps. This method of care would allow patients to access mental health services remotely via video call. In addition to minimizing the need for long journeys, it can also make for more efficient service provision by professionals, potentially allowing them to see more patients.

However, providers must ensure that older patients have the knowledge and equipment to utilize telehealth services effectively, potentially offering help setting up the technology and troubleshooting. There are also systemic disparities related to how many adults have internet access in some locations. Collaboration with local public health facilities or libraries may be needed to offer private space for telehealth calls.

In addition, transportation can be a challenge for aging individuals, especially if they don’t own or are not up to driving a private vehicle. Public transportation and rideshare apps such as Uber or Lyft might be a solution. However, ridesharing apps can be dangerous for vulnerable groups. Older riders should take precautions, such as riding with a trusted companion. This option may not be financially viable for people with low incomes.

Recognizing the Specific Challenges of Later Life

One of the standout points when discussing the psychiatric care of older adults is that it’s unwise to treat it the same way as with other demographics simply. Medical providers, public health administrators, and society as a whole need to recognize that mental wellness in later life presents specific challenges. Changes in physical health that affect individual functioning can lead to anxiety and other conditions. Alterations to lifestyle, such as drops in finances and losing loved ones, can also trigger depression.

By taking the time to understand these later life challenges better, there are opportunities to create more holistic measures with significant health benefits. For instance, staying active as you age doesn’t just help with mental and physical health; it also contributes to your social wellness. Not only are you taking steps to tend to your well-being—you’re also fighting isolation by staying engaged with others.

Additionally, poor mental wellness is often exacerbated by socioeconomic factors. Many retirees have a noticeable income drop, affecting their quality of life. Though many older adults have some mental health coverage through programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, this isn’t always sufficient, and getting help can drain their stretched resources.

Therefore, families of older adults, friends, and community care workers need to highlight sources of financial support. This may be subsidized mental health services in their area. It could also be assistance with day-to-day expenses that can reduce older adults’ stress load and, ultimately, boost their well-being.

Conclusion

Older adults navigate a range of mental health challenges. This is not just about specific conditions but also various other factors resulting in barriers to effective care. It is a social, ethical, and practical imperative to work as a community and adopt strategies that ensure older populations access the help they need.

The key is for people to take steps now — in the community, within their family groups, and by putting pressure on political leaders and decision-makers. Even small steps make a difference. With a commitment to learning and change, we can empower older people to thrive now and in the future.

If you or someone you know experiences mental health issues, it is important to seek help from a qualified professional. Our Resource Specialists can help you find expert mental health resources and support in your community. Contact us now for more information on this free service.

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About the Author: Katie Brenneman is a passionate writer specializing in lifestyle, mental health, education, and fitness-related content. When she isn’t writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter, @KatieBWrites93.

Photo by Marcus Aurelius: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-smiling-at-the-camera-6787562/

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