ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces a new concept in the identification and management of mental health problems in older people at primary care level. Psychiatric epidemiological studies have shown that mental health problems are common in the elderly, especially depression and dementia, together with anxiety disorders and alcohol misuse. The liaison nurse is available to GPs to conduct formal nursing based mental health assessments to determine the presence or absence of mental health problems in older people, subject to certain criteria. The training aims to explore attitudes and beliefs about mental illness and well-being in older age and discuss how these attitudes and beliefs may affect current practice. Promoting positive mental health is one of the greatest challenges facing western societies. The role of the liaison nurse continues to evolve daily, taking on board suggestions and comments from primary health care teams in order to provide a needs led service.
