Mental health problems are common among older people, and more people are living to old age. An estimated 40,000 people living in Wales have dementia, and depression is more common among older people than in any other age group. The Welsh Assembly Government Footnote 1 has recently made a commitment to develop a strategy for older people with mental health problems to complement its mental health strategies for children and for adults under 65.
Losing Time is a snapshot of current services, achievements and shortfalls, based on ten multi-agency audits conducted in Wales by auditors appointed by the Audit Commission from District Audit and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Written specifically to inform the Welsh agenda, it provides a stocktake for the Assembly Government and local agencies to enable them to prioritise actions and investment.
Much needs to be done to ensure that mental health services for older people can deliver the same level and standard of support as those given to other groups of vulnerable people. Agencies need to respond without delay to secure the necessary improvements.
Included in this report:
- getting early help and assessment
- helping people stay at home
- services for people who can no longer stay at home
- local commissioning and planning arrangements
- key recommendations