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21 <br />MENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE REPORT <br />Results of Inadequate Mental Health Care in the 65+ Population <br />^ Suicide risk is high. 65+ population accounts for 25% of the suicides but only 13% of the population. The <br />majority of completed suicides in the 65+ population were seen by a primary care doctor in the last month, <br />highlighting a missed opportunity to intervene. <br />^ Geriatric mood disorders lead to increased medical costs, increased hospitalizations, longer hospital stays, <br />physical disability, decreased functional ability, and placement in long-term care faalities. <br />^ Geriatric depression and geriatric behavioral symptoms, especially those caused by dementia, cause <br />significant family stress leading to adjustment and mood disorders among caregivers and early <br />institutionalization of 65+ patients. <br />Future of Geriatric Mental Health <br />^ There are not enough geriatric psychiatrists in training to manage the next generation of seniors. Current <br />payment structures are a disincentive to practice geriatrics. <br />^ UNC School of Soaal Work does not have any faculty who specialize in clinical geriatric mental health <br />practice; therefore, students are not being prepared to meet the mental health care needs of the current 65 <br />population or aging boomers. <br />^ Mental health practices will be challenged by the epidemic of dementia-related disorders and the resulting <br />behavioral issues and care needs. <br />-- The best practice models of geriatric mental health treatment involve the use of mental health <br />providers in primary care practices to follow through on medication use and to provide therapy based <br />on problem solving and behavioral models. At present, Carolina Access is in conversation with UNC <br />Geriatric Psychiatry to initiate pilot use of a geriatric depression care specialist in primary care <br />practices in Orange and Chatham Counties. <br />19 <br />