Community and home care for mentally ill older adults

America’s population of adults age 65 and older is projected to increase from 40.3 million to 72.1 million between the years 2010 and 2030. This increase has ignited the ongoing discussion around creating effective mechanisms and sufficient resources for older adults suffering from a range of mental health needs, both in community and residential care settings. Although the percentage of older adults with a diagnosable mental disorder is lower than those in younger age groups, they often present with comorbid physical and cognitive challenges that make treatment more complicated. Effective strategies to support the mental health of older adults in both home and residential community settings will go far in helping older adults age successfully and access needed mental health support.