Barriers to Mental Healthcare Utilization

The Availability of Psychological Services for Aged Care Residents in Australia: A Survey of Facility Staff

“…Despite the high prevalence of mood disorders, and the fact that mental health treatments are effective for residents living with late life depression or anxiety (Cody & Drysdale, 2013), such treatments are underutilised by older adults (Konnert & Petrovic-Poljak, 2014). In a US study of mental health service use, older adults were only one third as likely to report receiving treatment for serious mental illness than younger adults (Karlin, Duffy, & Gleaves, 2008).…”

“…Several researchers have suggested that older adults may not wish to discuss their mental health issues for fear of being perceived as defective (Gething et al, 2003;Konnert & Petrovic-Poljak, 2014). Several researchers have suggested that older adults may not wish to discuss their mental health issues for fear of being perceived as defective (Gething et al, 2003;Konnert & Petrovic-Poljak, 2014).…”

“…A second barrier to accessing psychological services may be the stigma associated with such services among residents. Several researchers have suggested that older adults may not wish to discuss their mental health issues for fear of being perceived as defective (Gething et al, 2003;Konnert & Petrovic-Poljak, 2014). Further, residents may believe that the expression of one's thoughts and feelings is inappropriate, by their generation's societal standards, and aged care staff believe that such views are widely held by residents (Choi et al, 2009).…”