The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #67587

Elaine Jurkowski, PhD, School of Social Work, Southern Illinois University, Quigley 4, M/C 4329, Carbondale, IL 62901, (618) 453-2243, etjurkow@siu.edu

Key partners in the detection of mental health concerns experienced by older adults have been primary care physicians and social service providers. Limited information is currently available from the professional literature on the awareness that social service providers have related to mental health concerns and older adults, especially within rural communities. This study forwarded a survey to social service providers who serve older adults to agencies within the most southern 27 counties of a Midwest State. A 25% sample (n=250 providers, n=200 physicians) which was randomly selected from a data base included all physicians and social service providers (aging, social service, public health and pharmacies). A mail survey questionnaire was forwarded that addressed providers’s perceptions related to systems integration, screening/consultation and education/training needs for older adults who may have mental health concerns. This exploratory study begins to identify training needs and perspectives that social service providers within rural communities experience. Findings suggest that there are significant differences in perceptions of service needs and the magnitude of the mental health issues for older adults living in rural settings. The findings can be useful in efforts to develop meaningful training interventions, and partnerships related to improve the delivery of mental health and aging services within rural communities.

Learning Objectives:

Learning objectives:
• To identify differences in perception between physicians and service providers of the mental health needs that older adults living in rural communities exhibit.
• To identify training needs for physcians and providers in an effort to minimize the gap in perceptions.
• To identify how partnerships between the medial, public health and social service community can improve mental health services for older adults.

Keywords: Mental Health Care, Elderly

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.