Characteristics of Older Adults With Serious Mental Illness Enrolled in a Publicly Funded In-Home Mental Health Treatment Program

Abstract

In-home mental health services for older adults will likely become increasingly utilized as the population ages. Little is known about older adults with serious mental illness who receive in-home services through the public mental health system. This study examined the demographic and clinical characteristics of this population. A total of 148 clients were included. Mood disorders were present in 75.7% and schizophrenia spectrum disorders were present in 23.6%. A history of problematic substance use was documented in 47.3% of clients and 31.8% reported suicidal ideation prior to enrollment. A total of 25% of clients utilized psychiatric emergency services during the year prior to enrollment and 15.5% of clients were hospitalized for psychiatric treatment. Older adults who receive in-home mental health services are vulnerable and have complex treatment needs.