The problem: What policy reforms are need to provide mental health care services to the nation’s rapidly increasing elderly population? Background: The U.S. population is aging at a rapid pace, by 2030, over 71 million Americans, over 20% of the population, will be 65 and older. The current system does not provide adequate mental health care services for older adults, and is ill prepared to meet the projected increase in demand (Jeste 1999). As the nation’s population ages during the next two decades, millions of baby boomers will be unable find services for most common mental health problems associated the elderly including depression and dementia. The reality is that there is a tremendous shortage of doctors, nurses and other trained mental
…show more content…
2004). Key Stakeholders: With the baby-boomer generation aging, the impact of mental health care for the elderly is becoming increasingly significant to federal, state, and local policymakers. The key stakeholders are vital aspect of policy reform. They have the influence and resources to establish leadership, bring awareness to the issues, and have the political clout to facilitate change in mental health care for the elderly (Corna 2010). The American Psychological Association (APA) The APA’s mission is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve all people's lives, well being and quality of life. The Alzheimer's Association The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health group for Alzheimer's care, support and research. The Alzheimer’s Association works at all levels, worldwide, nationally, and locally, to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias (Karel …show more content…
These actions should be closely aligned with other medical services to strengthen universal mental health care to assist the elderly (Knickman 2002). The chart Fig.1, summarizes the key policy criteria for mental health care reform. Key Policy Formation Criteria Option 1 Create age-friendly environments Option 2 Develop systems designed for long-term mental health care Option 3 Align mental health systems with the needs of older populations Long-Term Solution Medium High Medium Quick Implementation High Medium Low Odds of Success Medium High Medium Cost to Implement Low Medium High Political Feasibility Medium High Low Fig.1 4 Recommendation: After evaluating the three policy options for mental health care services issues for the increasing elderly population, that include the following implementation criteria, long term solution, odds of success, cost to implement, and political feasibility, the policy that provides the elements for a successful policy reform is option #1, Develop systems that are designed to provide long-term mental health care that’s politically feasible and has an excellent chance for
2004). Key Stakeholders: With the baby-boomer generation aging, the impact of mental health care for the elderly is becoming increasingly significant to federal, state, and local policymakers. The key stakeholders are vital aspect of policy reform. They have the influence and resources to establish leadership, bring awareness to the issues, and have the political clout to facilitate change in mental health care for the elderly (Corna 2010). The American Psychological Association (APA) The APA’s mission is to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve all people's lives, well being and quality of life. The Alzheimer's Association The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health group for Alzheimer's care, support and research. The Alzheimer’s Association works at all levels, worldwide, nationally, and locally, to provide care and support for all those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias (Karel …show more content…
These actions should be closely aligned with other medical services to strengthen universal mental health care to assist the elderly (Knickman 2002). The chart Fig.1, summarizes the key policy criteria for mental health care reform. Key Policy Formation Criteria Option 1 Create age-friendly environments Option 2 Develop systems designed for long-term mental health care Option 3 Align mental health systems with the needs of older populations Long-Term Solution Medium High Medium Quick Implementation High Medium Low Odds of Success Medium High Medium Cost to Implement Low Medium High Political Feasibility Medium High Low Fig.1 4 Recommendation: After evaluating the three policy options for mental health care services issues for the increasing elderly population, that include the following implementation criteria, long term solution, odds of success, cost to implement, and political feasibility, the policy that provides the elements for a successful policy reform is option #1, Develop systems that are designed to provide long-term mental health care that’s politically feasible and has an excellent chance for