The mental health of older people is a critical issue that requires adequate staffing and resources. However, the current state of mental health teams caring for older people in the country is alarming. According to the data, the HSE's provision of staff for older citizens suffering from mental health issues is far below the required level. The 2019 model of care for specialist mental health services for older people states that for every 10,000 people aged over 65, at least 10 mental health professionals should be in place. Yet, the reality is that the number of staff actually in place is far removed from that target. The shortfalls in recruitment vary depending upon the relevant geographic region, with the southwest of the country particularly badly affected. The consequences of this understaffing are dire. Older people mental health teams deal with an assortment of mental health issues, from severe depression to psychosis, anxiety and enduring mental illness to cognitive decline, and dementia. Without properly staffed multidisciplinary teams, needs go unmet, families carry more of the burden, and older people are pushed closer to crisis, hospitalisation, and the loss of their independence. This is a profound failure of the Government, as key parts of older people's mental health teams remain staffed at only a fraction of the required level. The Government must honour the staffing commitments set out in the HSE's 2019 Model of Care for this age group and publish a fully funded, time-bound plan to recruit the multidisciplinary staff older people were promised. The HSE acknowledges the challenge of recruitment, but the reality is that the current state of understaffing is unacceptable. It is time for the Government to take action and ensure that older people receive the care they need and deserve.
