Depression Care Need Among Low-Income Older Adults: Views from Aging Service Providers and Family Caregivers

Abstract

This study reports findings from focus group discussions with aging service providers and family caregivers about low-income ambulatory or homebound older adults' depressive symptoms and barriers to seeking treatment. It also reports the participants' suggestions about interventions for depression that can be integrated into existing aging service settings or implemented in older adults' homes, as well as the type of training the aging service providers need if they are to provide services for depression. Participants identified social isolation, loneliness, and loss and grief as major correlates of depression in older adults. Barriers to seeking treatment included older adults' denial of or lack of understanding about depression, a sense of stigma, financial worries, and lack of mobility. Suggested depression treatments included brief cognitive behavioral interventions, friendly visitors, and physical exercise. Bachelor's-level service providers expressed their need and desire for training in mental health assessment and brief psychotherapy.

KEYWORDS:

• depression treatment
• social service providers
• family caregivers
• low-income older adults

Acknowledgments

This study was supported by the Center for Mental Health Services Research at George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis.