“As Needed” Case Management Across Aging Services in Response to Depression

Abstract

A lack of clarity on how and where case management for older adults is delivered persists, even as evidence supports its use to respond to depression. We used in-depth interviews with managers (n = 20) and staff surveys (n = 142) from 17 service agencies to explore the provision of case management services in adult day services, homecare, senior centers, and supportive housing. Limited case management services were found. Barriers included limited time and resources, especially for senior centers and supportive housing. Results revealed a concern about the role, feasibility, and availability of case management for older adults within these settings.

KEYWORDS:

• care coordination
• aging services
• mixed methods
• practice standards

Additional information

Funding

This research was sponsored by the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Doctoral Fellowship Program, which is supported by a grant to the Gerontological Society of America from the John A. Hartford Foundation.