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This version was published on June 1, 2008
Journal of Applied Gerontology, Vol. 27, No. 3, 252-266 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0733464807311646

Mental Health Services for Older Adults in Rural Areas: An Ecological Systems Approach

Gregory F. Sanders

North Dakota State University

Margaret A. Fitzgerald

North Dakota State University

Marlys Bratteli

North Dakota State University

Groups of North Dakota professionals from health and aging services participated in a focus group study of mental health needs and barriers to service among older adults. Data were collected from 13 focus groups that included human service providers, public health nurses, out-reach workers, and advisory groups who discuss mental health and aging issues in a number of ecological systems contexts. Lack of knowledgeable care providers, funding cutbacks, accessibility of services, and ageism were frequently cited barriers to mental health services for older adults in rural areas. Focus groups also discussed the needs of older adults including information on services, how to access services, the need for service providers in rural areas, and routine assessments by physicians. Participants suggested that the main needs of providers were education, more services, and changes or flexibility in the types of services.

Key Words: aging • barriers • ecological • mental health • rural


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