Kelleher M, Mannix M
Northern Area Health Board, Limerick Mental Health Services', Ireland.
Ir J Med Sci. 2001 Oct-Dec;170(4):239-43. doi: 10.1007/BF03167787.
Recent health policy emphasises the involvement of the consumer and carer in health and social care issues. Demographic projections predict a rise in the number of elderly people in Ireland and the number of elderly people with a mental illness. The identification of gaps in service provision should result in appropriate planning for this group in the future.
The aim of the study was to assess carers' opinions of services for the elderly mentally ill in the Limerick area.
A questionnaire was sent to the carers of patients referred to the Psychiatry of Old Age service. Information was gathered on satisfaction with existing services for the elderly. Carers were also asked to identify which services they felt they needed.
The overall response rate was 51%, but the response rate for individual items varied. Both formal and informal services for the elderly are underused. The need for long-term care places was highlighted and carers wished for more information and emotional support.
This study highlighted the aspects of the service that carers value, which should help guide future service development.
近期的卫生政策强调消费者和护理者参与卫生和社会护理问题。人口预测显示，爱尔兰老年人数量以及患有精神疾病的老年人数量将会增加。确定服务提供方面的差距应能为该群体未来的适当规划提供依据。
本研究旨在评估护理者对利默里克地区老年精神病患者服务的看法。
向转介至老年精神病服务部门的患者的护理者发放问卷。收集了护理者对现有老年服务满意度的信息。还询问了护理者他们认为自己需要哪些服务。
总体回复率为51%，但各个项目的回复率有所不同。老年人的正式和非正式服务利用不足。长期护理场所的需求得到凸显，护理者希望获得更多信息和情感支持。
本研究突出了护理者重视的服务方面，这应有助于指导未来的服务发展。
