ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the main models of mental health service provision for older people. It shows how ageism can impact on mental health service provision for older people. The chapter describes the influence of policy on the development of mental health services for older people. The craft of caring maps directly onto the provision of quality services for older people with mental health needs. Services based on mechanistic interventions cannot provide a comprehensive solution to the complex care needs of older people. The foundation stone of secondary care provision is the community mental health team. These are the multidisciplinary community teams providing specialist care for complex mental health problems in older people. Services are undergoing considerable change and development in the wake of legislation and policy initiatives that are attempting to improve quality in dementia care and ensure equity of access for those with a range of mental health needs.
