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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Susan M. Enguidanos, MPH, School of Social Work, University of Southern California and Partners In Care Foundation, 101 S. First Street, Suite 1000, Burbank, CA 91502, (818) 526-1780, sengui@aol.com and Nancy E. Gibbs, MD, TriCentral Service Area, Kaiser Permanente, 1011 Baldwin Park Blvd, Baldwin Park, CA 91706.
As the numbers of elderly continue to grow, improved evidence-based models of mental health and health care services are needed to meet the rising demand of this aging population. Geriatric Care Management (GCM) programs represent a potential solution to this dilemma through the provision of home based care that overcomes many barriers to health services such as transportation, ambulation, and difficulties and delays in scheduling appointments. Kaiser Permanente members over the age of 65 who are identified as frail or requiring assistance are referred to the Geriatric Care Management program. Members meeting study eligibility criteria were randomized to one of three study groups: Information and Referral, GCM, or GCM with a brief $2,000 purchase of service benefit. A total of 541 were enrolled in the study. For those completing the Geriatric Depression Scale (n=315), moderate to severe depression was detected among 58% of the sample. Nearly all (98.3%) reported having at least one medical condition in addition to depression; 59% reported having 3 or more major medical conditions. Case managers targeted depression in their care plans for less than one-third of those identified as depressed. For members with severe depression (GDS > 10, n=50), depression was targeted in care plans 46% of the time. Priority must be given to adapting and testing models of care that have been proven to be effective in other arenas. An example of a depression model and how it can be implemented into geriatric acre management will be discussed.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to
Keywords: Depression, Elderly
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Kaiser Permanente
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Subcontracted to conduct evaluation