Meeting the Mental Health Needs of Elderly Latinos Affected by Depression: Implications for Outreach and Service Provision

Abstract

Latinos are one of the fastest growing segments of the older population and are known to have a high prevalence of depression, as well as a greater likelihood of risk factors for this condition such as poor comorbid physical health, distressed economic circumstances, and social isolation that leads to a de facto homebound status. Thus, long-term care providers are likely to encounter increasing numbers of older Latinos suffering from depression in both community and institutional settings. This article discusses current empirical and conceptual studies on mental health issues facing older Latinos, as well as outreach, clinical practice, and policy recommendations for working with this population.