Perceptions of biopsychosocial services needs among older adults with severe mental illness: met and unmet needs.
This study sought to identify the psychiatric, physical, and social services needs experienced by older adults with severe mental illness (SMI) and to examine factors influencing their experience of need and service provision adequacy. Seventy-five older adults with SMI were recruited from a community mental health center to participate in the study. The typical client experienced a need for care in 10 areas, with the greatest needs occurring in the areas of psychological pain, physical illness, social contacts, looking after the home, and daily activities. The total number of unmet needs ranged from zero to 10, with the typical client having an average of 2.3 unmet needs (SD = 2.4). The highest proportions of unmet needs were in the areas of social contact, benefits, sight or hearing difficulties, and intimate relationships. Linear hierarchical regression analyses revealed that clients with lower income, greater impairments in independent daily living skills, and higher levels of depression experienced increased needs for care. Older clients who lived in private homes or apartments had higher levels of depression, and those who required assistance in the areas of intimate relationships and benefits experienced higher levels of unmet needs. Research and practice implications are discussed.
Cummings
Sherry M
SM
College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Nashville, TN 37210, USA. scumming@utk.edu
Cassie
Kimberly McClure
KM
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012923:Social Class