Hearing the Unheard: Transforming Mental Health Care for Older Adults in Southampton
As a result of a collaboration between the University of Southampton and Compassionate Cuppa CIC, the Centre for the South has supported the production of a policy brief, providing a roadmap for improving elder mental health in Southampton.
Click below for the full policy brief, or read on for a summary.
DOI: 10.5258/SOTON/PP0203
Mental Healthcare Under-Utilisation
Many older adults suffer from common mental health disorders, but the utilisation of care services by the older population is low, placing them at risk of impaired independence, social isolation and reduced quality of life.
Under-utilisation may be affected by factors such as resource constraints, complex referral systems and social stigma, but there is a lack of evidence addressing the barriers to service use in Southampton.
“I didn’t know about it until now. When I called my GP, they said they had a mental health nurse, but she wasn’t on-site, which I think is a bit misleading.”
- LG, an older adult who intended to use mental health services
The perspectives of service providers is also overlooked in the literature despite their experience and knowledge. Researching both older adults and their service providers in a dual approach can help develop more effective services in Southampton.
“A lot of older people would not perceive the issues they have as worthy of troubling a professional.”
- MR, a service provider
What did this project involve?
Researchers from the University’s departments of Gerontology and Social Sciences have partnered with a Southampton-based organisation, Compassionate Cuppa CIC, to investigate the access barriers and challenges of providing mental health care to older adults in Southampton. They conducted in-depth interviews with older adults experiencing mental health challenges, and service providers not affiliated with the NHS but integral to the community health landscape. They also conducted fieldwork at community centres, participating in community activities and engaging in conversation with key stakeholders using a more casual approach to complement the formal interviews.
Combining formal research methods (like thematic analysis of interview transcripts) with informal interactions formed a co-production approach that included broader community context.
Key Findings
There exist barriers to accessing services, such as long wait times, lack of awareness on what services are available, and stigma associated with mental health
Barriers have an impact on the daily life of older adults, worsening health outcomes and amplifying social isolation
There is a preference among older adults for face-to-face interactions and information shared through community centres and local networks
There are challenges in service delivery, such as exclusion of older adults with limited digital literacy, lack of physical accessibility due to mobility issues, and funding limitations.
Service providers suggested increased face-to-face options, using community centres for outreach, and personalising care to meet individual needs. They advocate for increased resources and strengthening community-driven initiatives to provide well-funded, localised and accessible support.
Recommendations
Read the policy brief for more detail on these recommendations.
Read more about Compassionate Cuppa CIC from its founder, Ling Salter.
This project was funded by the Centre for the South’s New Things Fund. By forming strong relationships with community stakeholders and services, it has provided opportunity for further research and community partnership projects in the future, to continue to strengthen Southampton’s elder mental healthcare services.