Carers' views on services for the elderly mentally ill.
BACKGROUND
Recent health policy emphasises the involvement of the consumer and carer in health and social care issues. Demographic projections predict a rise in the number of elderly people in Ireland and the number of elderly people with a mental illness. The identification of gaps in service provision should result in appropriate planning for this group in the future.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to assess carers' opinions of services for the elderly mentally ill in the Limerick area.


METHODS
A questionnaire was sent to the carers of patients referred to the Psychiatry of Old Age service. Information was gathered on satisfaction with existing services for the elderly. Carers were also asked to identify which services they felt they needed.


RESULTS
The overall response rate was 51%, but the response rate for individual items varied. Both formal and informal services for the elderly are underused. The need for long-term care places was highlighted and carers wished for more information and emotional support.


CONCLUSIONS
This study highlighted the aspects of the service that carers value, which should help guide future service development.
Kelleher
M
M
Northern Area Health Board, Limerick Mental Health Services', Ireland. drmkel@esatclear.ie
Mannix
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018672:Community Health Planning; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires