According to statistics produced by the Mental Health Foundation, 1 in 4 people will suffer from a mental health issue at some point in their life. For care providers, this means being aware that mental health issues require specialist skills in handling and that they can come on at any point in life. Depression in particular must be looked out for by care professionals, as it affects 1 in 5 older people.
Mental health problems range from mixed anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder and feelings of suicide. Mental health isn’t just about dealing with service users who have specific problems, but ensuring that all service users remain mentally healthy. Good care will look towards enabling service users to make the most of their life and their potential, to remain active and stimulated and to play a full role in their community, in their family and in their treatment.
There are now specialist care homes and domiciliary care agencies which specialise in the care of people with mental health problems, doing their best to eliminate the stigma and to offer those in its care respect and dignity at all times.