ERIC Number: EJ793027
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 11
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0360-7283
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Perceptions of Biopsychosocial Services Needs among Older Adults with Severe Mental Illness: Met and Unmet Needs
Cummings, Sherry M.; Cassie, Kimberly McClure
Health & Social Work, v33 n2 p133-143 2008
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.
Descriptors: Mental Disorders, Older Adults, Individual Needs, Influences, Psychological Services, Health Services, Social Services, Daily Living Skills, Depression (Psychology), Intimacy
National Association of Social Workers (NASW). 750 First Street NE Suite 700, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-227-3590; e-mail: press@naswdc.org; Web site: http://www.naswpress.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
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Language: English
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