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REVIEW OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY

Poole people are being urged to give their views on the provision of mental health services for the elderly.

A joint project by local NHS Primary Care Trusts and the Borough of Poole, is reviewing local mental health services for the elderly in a bid to provide better quality services.

Cllr Jane Jones, Executive Spokesperson for Care, said: "There is a critical need for effective services to support older people who have mental health problems. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of misunderstanding about these kinds of problems and people can be reluctant to ask for professional help."

"Our services exist to respond to the needs of local people but we can only achieve this if they are willing to explain what kind of support they want. Whether you currently have a mental health problem, care for someone who does or simply have views about what you would want if you required help in the future, we need to hear from you."

People can get involved in the project, either by volunteering to take part in a small discussion group or by filling in a questionnaire. All information provided will be treated in strictest confidence.

More information on how to participate is available from Dominic Chilvers, Tel (01202) 633969.
-ends-

Editor’s Notes:
Around 2300 Poole residents over the age of 60, have some form of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease. Whilst an estimated 1300 people in this age group suffer from some sort of depression.

The review comes in the wake of new Government guidelines for the improvement of Health and Social Services. Included within these guidelines are standards which local Health Trusts and Social Services departments must meet when delivering mental health services to older people.

Dominic Chilvers, Project Manager, Tel (01202) 633969