"Studies have shown that more than one in five Americans aged 65 and older-including more than 32,000 Mainers-experience mental illness and that as many as 80 percent of elderly persons in nursing homes suffer from some kind of mental impairment. But the mental health needs of these individuals are often overlooked or not recognized because of the mistaken belief that mental illness is part of the normal aging process," said Senator Collins.
She added, "When an older American suffers from a misdiagnosed or untreated mental illness, an entire family can suffer." She said that this issue has particular significance in Maine, which ranks 7th in the nation of states with the highest proportion of elderly individuals.
Senator Collins explained that many older Americans either do not have access to any mental health services or they receive those services from general practitioners who are not specially trained to diagnose and treat mental illnesses. Untreated, mental illness can lead to a poor quality of life, poor overall health and even suicide.
Americans over 65 are more likely to commit suicide than any other age group. Among those over 85, the suicide rate is twice the national average.
The Positive Aging Act of 2004 would provide grants to states and non-profit organizations to integrate mental health screening and treatment services into primary health care settings to include community health centers, senior centers and assisted living facilities. The bill would target funding for projects to provide mental health screening and treatment services to older Americans living in rural areas.
The legislation has been endorsed by the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry, the National Council on Aging, the American Nurses Association and the American Psychological Association. "Mental illness is not part of the normal aging process and should be finally given the attention it deserves," added Senator Collins.
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