Improving Mental Health in the Community: Outcome Evaluation of a Geriatric Mental Health Day Treatment Service.

OBJECTIVES: This program evaluation reviewed the outcomes of a new 10-week multi-modal mental health day treatment program for elderly clients with mood and anxiety disorders.

METHODS: A retrospective chart review of clients admitted during the first 3 years of the program (N = 255) was conducted. Paired sample t-tests were used to compare admission and discharge data. Focus groups were run with clients who attended the program during the previous months, to delineate the strengths of the program and to identify areas for improvement.

RESULTS: Analyses showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in client symptomatology, as evidenced by reductions on the Geriatric Depression Scale and the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome Measure in clients who completed the program. Focus group participants overwhelmingly described the program as very beneficial, but the desire for on-going follow-up was clearly articulated.

CONCLUSIONS: A practice model employing group-based cognitive-behavioural and interpersonal strategies that emphasizes behavioral activation and socialization is associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms and psychological distress in a large sample of elderly adults in a day treatment service with mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: In the future, a mechanism for on-going mental health support should be included. Many clients want to remain connected to the system, but there is not always a clear path along the continuum of care, particularly for clients who no longer meet criteria for a psychiatric disorder.