Senior Depression: Mental Health Services in Long-Term Care Facilities

December 26th, 2006 by Lori Deschene

Comments (5)

For seniors who live independently, mental health is largely dependent on their capacity for self awareness and their willingness to seek appropriate care. For those living in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, the situation is a little more tenuous. As the numbers show, depressive and behavioral disorders are prevalent in these settings. In addition to the usual stresses associated with aging, such as loss of loved ones, physical deterioration, and fears related to death, seniors in long-term care facilities often struggle with increased isolation and debilitating physical ailments, which can exacerbate latent mental issues. Since residents of senior facilities are often in poor health and have decreased cognitive functioning, it’s not always easy to evaluate and treat these individuals.

How Medicare Helps Seniors with Depression

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 stipulated screenings for mental illness and the reduced use of physical and chemical restraints. As part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA), this law mandated some pivotal changes in nursing home care, emphasizing quality of life. In 1990, Congress responded by revising the Medicare laws, specifying beneficiaries will receive mental health care, if needed. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover blanket screening procedures. This renders it virtually impossible to uncover hidden symptoms that residents sometimes hide to avoid stress and shame. In 2002, however, Medicare recognized the value of psychological services coinciding with the management of medical conditions. I translate this as such: if you’re already physically very ill, your mental health is important. If depression or mental illness is detected, and a doctor refers the resident to a psychiatrist, Medicare will cover 50 percent of the approved amount. This is a hefty co-payment, especially in relation to the 80 percent Medicare covers for doctor’s office visits. I think it’s safe to say navigating through the Medicare system can be a little confusing.

Treating Depression in Long-term Care Facilities

Several organizations have emerged to bridge the gap between mental health and long term care. VeriCare, for example, partners with skilled nursing and other residential facilities to create programs tailored to their residents’ needs. This company, founded shortly after the Nursing Home Reform Act, improves compliance with OBRA standards and provides behavioral and mental health services unavailable in most long-term care settings. In searching for a long-term care facility, a process Gilbert Guide simplifies, it may be wise to inquire as to what mental health systems they have in place. With over 50 percent of nursing home residents exhibiting signs of depression and under 5 percent of those individuals receiving treatment, it’s crucial to plan ahead. I certainly wouldn’t choose a home for my grandmother if her physical health might be jeopardized. I’m even more hesitant to choose a place that doesn’t recognize her mental well being as equally important.

Be well, be aware, be happy—

Lori Deschene

Posted in: Depression, Elder Care, Senior Depression, Senior Health, Skilled Nursing

Comments (5)

COMMENTS
5 Responses to “Senior Depression: Mental Health Services in Long-Term Care Facilities”

SueCrandle Says:

I’m a CNA in a nursing home, and the environment’s depressing. People get sick and die quite a bit. Some people never get visitors. I really feel for these people, and I think it’s great that you’re putting this information out there.
Cindy Roy Says:

I am going to school right now to get my psw ticket. I am going to do a project on depression in long term facilities. I was wondering if you could email some information on depression.Or maybe you know of a book that I could get at the library. Thank you Cindy
Lori Says:

Hello Cindy,

This topic is a lot larger than most people think. I’d be happy to send you some information directly to your email address. Thanks for stopping by.

Lori
Cindy Says:

I am doing an assignment on depression in long term care in facilities. I would like to know if you have some websities or books on the role of a personal support worker. How they would deal with and help with the depression. Thanks Cindy
Lori Says:

Hi Cindy,

Did you receive the other email I sent you with resources for depression in long-term care? I am happy that you are using our site as an adjunct to your studies. I am, however, hesitant to do too much research for you (give you fish) when it would benefit you more to follow the same channels (fish yourself). The site below provides some information on using the internet for research. This should give you an idea of where to start and how to know which information to trust.

http://www.holmescc.edu/library/Online%20Research%20Tips2.html

Best of luck with your assignment,
Lori