Availability of mental health services for older adults: a cross-cultural comparison of the United States and Turkey

Authors:
SIVIS R., McCRAE C. S., DEMIR A.
Journal article citation:
Aging and Mental Health, 9(3), May 2005, pp.223-234.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis

Researchers conducted a cross-cultural study using qualitative methods (based on a phenomenological approach) to explore the availability of mental health services (MHS) for older adults in the United States and Turkey. Using purposive sampling, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 24 administrators from a wide-range of sites (nursing homes, hospice, senior centers) in a rural area of North Central Florida, United States and Ankara, Turkey. Interview questions focused on types of staff employed; integration of MHS with other services provided; community promotion of services; coordination, cooperation and communication with other service providers; and administrators’ perceptions of barriers in the provision of MHS for older adults. Employing on-site mental health staff was a much more popular practice in Turkey compared to the United States. Administrators in both countries cited inadequate funding as the most common barrier to MHS provision. Potential solutions to MHS barriers in both countries are discussed.

Subject terms:
hospices, mental health services, nursing homes, older people, access to services, community mental health services, comparative studies, day centres;
Content type:
research
Location(s):
Turkey, United States
Link:
Journal home page
ISSN online:
1364-6915
ISSN print:
1360-7863

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