The snapshot provides the results of a survey of geriatric and psychogeriatric assessment, treatment and rehabilitation (AT&R) services and mental health services for older people provided by District Health Boards (DHBs). The survey was carried out between April and June 2003 in order to get a national overview of how these services are provided and to feed into development of a Guideline for Specialist Health Services for Older People. That guideline was published in September 2004.
Responses to the survey highlight the great variability in the way these services are managed and delivered across the country. Part of the variability is due to different funding and contracting arrangements for mental health services for older people in the Northern and Midland regions and psychogeriatric AT&R services in the Central and Southern regions. Services have also developed differently in response to local pressures and opportunities.
Erratum
This document was amended on 16 January 2006 to correct an error in the ratio of Mental Health Services for Older People beds to population on page 8.
This now reads: The Blueprint for Mental Health Services specifies a ratio of 4.0 mental health assessment and treatment beds or care packages for older people per 100, 000 total population (all ages) and 1.3 acute in-patient beds or care packages for older people per 100,000 total population (Mental Health Commission 19