Trends in Geriatric Psychiatry
Specialized Geriatric Psychiatry Units:
Do They Make a Difference?
Richard Callaway, MD
FAST FACTS
• The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the number of elderly Americans will double over the next 20 years from 35 million (12% of the U.S. population) to 70 million (20% of the U.S. population).
• Rates of mental illness related to illicit substance abuse, misuse of prescription pharmaceuticals and sedentary lifestyle are expected to be higher in future populations of elderly Americans than in previous generations.
• Academic societies and the clinical community at large have long been concerned about the lack of preparedness of the healthcare workforce when it comes to handling the complex medical and mental health care needs of the aging “baby boomer” generation.
• Select hospitals and long-term care facilities across New England are demonstrating their commitment to improving medical and mental health care for the elderly with psychiatric diagnoses.