Older people's mental health prejudices
Download (PDF 720.27 KB)Summary of report content
In discussion with the Living Well Alliance, Healthwatch South Tyneside agreed to provide insight into older people’s current experiences of mental health care. Their engagement team attended older people’s groups in South Tyneside and spoke to them to help understand their experiences. They spoke to 123 older people
Key findings
Physical health was the main focus of health care professionals within GP surgeries.
Lack of face-to-face appointments were a barrier to opening up about mental health.
Ten-minute appointments did not lend themselves to fuller discussions needed to talk about more than one concern.
Technology including e-consult was a barrier for many.
Stigma remains an obstacle in asking for support.
Confidentiality, mental health signage and public reception areas were some of the barriers identified to ask for support.
Continuity of care was raised as a concern in terms of having the right relationships to open up about mental health.
Younger doctors were seen to be more in tune with mental health needs.
Some older people were very open to self-help and the greater promotion of this would be welcomed.