Mental health and wellbeing in older people
In 2019/20 76.7 per cent of social care users in Rochdale reported feeling safe, which is higher than the national average of 70.2 per cent(Adult social care outcomes framework). The recorded prevalence of dementia in the borough in people over 65 in 2020 was 3.61 per cent, below the England rate of 3.97 per cent according to NHS Digital.
Outcomes wanted for older people's wellbeing
The outcome wanted for older residents of Rochdale is that they have a positive sense of wellbeing, feel safe and not isolated, and are able to cope with any long term conditions or ailments. Not all social care users are older adults but the proportion of people using services who feel safe can be used as a proxy measure for older people.
Promoting good mental health requires more than the prevention of mental ill-health. An important element of mental health promotion work is promoting the mental wellbeing of those with mental health problems.
Mental health issues in older people
Mental health and wellbeing are of great importance to older people. There is a range of mental health issues that affect the whole population and there are specific issues that are more prevalent in older people. It is important to note that everyone has mental health needs whether or not they have a diagnosis of mental illness.
There are a number of issues that can make older people more vulnerable to mental health problems such as social isolation, illness, providing unpaid care and bereavement. There is also a range of ways that older people's mental health can be protected such as by ensuring social interaction, control and dignity.
Statistics on mental health and wellbeing in older people
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) - Dementia profile - this profile provides guidance to help inform the provision of care for people in England who have dementia. It includes data on prevalence, prevention, diagnosis, support and the end of life.
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) - Better mental health: JSNA toolkit - the better mental health JSNA toolkit links mental health data, policy and knowledge to help planners understand needs within the local population and assess local services. It includes a section on living well in older years.
Information and guidance on mental health and wellbeing in older people
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance - Older people - NICE has produced a number of documents on mental health and wellbeing in older people including guidance on dementia, mental wellbeing and independence, physical activity interventions for mental wellbeing in over 65s and the wellbeing of people in care homes.
- The King's Fund - the King's Fund carries out independent research and analysis on health and social care. This link contains their most recent works on older people mental health.
- Local Government Association - Dementia support guide for councils - this publication highlights some notable and innovative practices by councils in supporting people living with dementia after their diagnosis.
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) - Productive Healthy Ageing Profile - Mental health & wellbeing - resources that can be used to inform prevention, detection and treatment of mental illness, and management of mental health and wellbeing.
- Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) - Dementia: applying All Our Health - evidence and guidance to help healthcare professionals maximise their contribution to supporting the health, wellbeing and independence of people with dementia.