Integrating behavioral health care for older adults: Start with nurses

Our healthcare system is currently challenged in caring for a growing population of older adults living with complex health issues. A particular concern among this population today is meeting the challenge for those who have behavioral health issues. Approximately 1 in 5 persons over the age of 65 years has a behavioral health concern.1 The 2012 National Academies report addressing the mental healthcare workforce for older adults: In Whose Hands informed us just how underprepared yet we in this arena, anticipating that by 2030 there will be less than one geriatric psychiatrist for every 6000 older persons with a behavioral health disorder.
Source: Geriatric Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Source Type: research