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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
Dr. Christine Chin, a consultant to Princess Margaret Hospital's Department of Medicine, and a lecturer at Doctors Hospital and UWI School of Clinical Medicine and Research, addresses the Symposium, Oct. 10. Pictured seated are Senior Nursing Officers Justina Toote-Knowles and Denise Kemp-Smith. (BIS Photos/Raymond A. Bethel)
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NASSAU, The Bahamas — A plan to increase access to community-based mental health services is expected to not only reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and mental health illnesses locally, but should also lead to an increase in persons taking greater advantage of the resources available to them at that level, Minister of Social Services and Community Development, Melanie Griffin said Thursday.
Addressing the Opening Session of a one-day Geriatric Symposium on Mental Health and Older People hosted by the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) and held as part of the activities celebrating World Mental Health Day, Mrs. Griffin said World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics indicate that 20 per cent of older adults globally suffer from a mental or neurological disorder.
“It is therefore imperative that we prepare for the issues that will confront an ageing population be they physical, mental or neurological,” Mrs. Griffin said.
WHO officials say dementia and depression are the two most common neuropsychiatric disorders that will impact, or are impacting, this age group. Dementia is a syndrome in which there is deterioration in memory, thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday activities. It mainly affects older people, although it is not a normal part of ageing.
It is estimated that 35.6 million people worldwide are currently living with dementia. The total number of people with dementia is projected to almost double every 20 years, increasing from today’s current figure to 65.7 million in 2030 and 115.4 million in 2050. The majority of sufferers will be persons living in low- and middle-income countries.
Pastor Ivan Butler, Senior Pastor Kemp Road Ministries and Dr. Nelson Clarke, consultant psychiatrist, in charge of drug rehabilitation at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre at the Oct. 10 symposium. (BIS Photo/Raymond Bethel)
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Depression, on the other hand, can cause great suffering and leads to impaired functioning in daily life. Health officials say symptoms of depression in older adults are often overlooked and untreated because they coincide with other late life problems.
Minister Griffin said officials from her Ministry, particularly those attached to the Health Social Services Unit headed by Mrs. Salomie Gibson, already have a “wonderful working relationship” with officials at Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre at the community-based level in helping to care for and treat persons with mental illnesses.
Mrs. Griffin said she was “particularly pleased” with the management of the group homes that permit former patients — though not necessarily older adults — to reside in the community while continuing to participate in day activities at the Centre. Increasing access to the community-based centres, Mrs. Griffin said, will allow for that type of care to continue.
The Social Services Minister applauded the team at the geriatrics hospital for the high level of in-patient care provided to the elderly.
Bethel Baptist Church Senior Choir performs at the World Mental Health Symposium, Oct. 10, at St Joseph Parish Centre. (BIS Photo/Raymond Bethel)
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“I acknowledge the contribution of the geriatric hospital at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre which offers in-patient care for the country’s senior citizens suffering from medical, social and psychiatric problems. A recent visitor to the hospital made a glowing compliment about the improved physical condition and the excellent care provided to patients.
“While we recognise the need for the geriatric hospital, we prefer, where circumstances permit, for older persons to remain at home (as) research shows that older adults thrive best in their home environments (and that) disruptions to their living arrangements and routines should be minimised as much as possible while leaving room for considerations of their health and safety.
“It is also anticipated that with increased access to community-based mental health services, the stigma surrounding mental health and mental illness will be lessened, resulting in more persons taking advantage of available resources and treatment,” Mrs. Griffin added.
© Copyright 2013 by thebahamasweekly.com
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