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Suicidal ideation and its correlates among elderly in residential care homes
- Authors:
- MALFENT Daniela, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 25(8), August 2010, pp.843-849.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Studies have shown that the highest suicide rates are found among the elderly, with suicidal ideation prevalent in long-term care facilities. Despite these facts most residents show no signs of suicidal ideation. However, there is a lack of information on which factors protect against suicidal thoughts among the elderly. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and correlates of suicidal ideation with risk and protective factors among older residential care home residents in Vienna. Participants included 129 residents, aged 60 and older, from 15 Viennese residential care homes, who completed a self-report questionnaire containing socio-demographic factors, physical health, mental health, and protective factors like self-efficacy, and internal locus of control as well as satisfaction with life. They were also asked about active and passive suicidal thoughts. Results indicated active suicidal ideation during the last month in 7% of the elderly, 11% reported active suicidal ideation during the past year. Depressive symptoms and current psychotherapeutic treatment were important predictors. In conclusion, the authors suggest that research and prevention strategies could not only target risk, but also include protective factors.
Effectiveness of home treatment for elderly people with depression: randomised controlled trial
- Authors:
- KLUG Gunter, et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 197(6), December 2010, pp.463-467.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
This study tested the effectiveness of home treatment for elderly people with depression living independently in Austria. Sixty out-patients aged 65 and over with major depression were either allocated to a home treatment model over a 1-year period or to conventional psychiatric out-patient care. Home treatment was delivered by a multidisciplinary team consisting of one psychiatrist, two psychologists and one social worker who was also qualified as a psychiatric nurse. Treatment included talks about self-esteem, coping resources and medication adherence; encouragement to establish and maintain social networks, increase social and leisure activities and cope with tasks of daily living; support of carers; and crisis interventions when required. The primary outcome was the level of depressive symptoms after 3 and 12 months. The secondary outcomes were global functioning, subjective quality of life, admissions to nursing homes, duration of psychiatric hospital treatments and the cost of care. Findings revealed that the individuals receiving home treatment had significantly fewer symptoms of depression, better global functioning and a higher quality of life at 3 months and at 12 months. In the 1 year period there were fewer admissions to nursing homes, they spent less time in psychiatric in-patient care and the overall cost of care was lower. The study concluded that home treatment appeared to be an effective and cost-effective service model for elderly people with depression.