Preventing and responding to depression, self-harm, and suicide in older people living in long term care settings: a systematic review

Article

Gleeson, H., Hafford-Letchfield, T., Quaife, M., Collins, D.A. and Flynn, A. 2019. Preventing and responding to depression, self-harm, and suicide in older people living in long term care settings: a systematic review. Aging and Mental Health. 23 (11), pp. 1467-1477. https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2018.1501666
TypeArticle
TitlePreventing and responding to depression, self-harm, and suicide in older people living in long term care settings: a systematic review
AuthorsGleeson, H., Hafford-Letchfield, T., Quaife, M., Collins, D.A. and Flynn, A.
Abstract

Objective: The well documented demographic shift to an aging population means that more people will in future be in need of long term residential care. Previous research has reported an increased risk of mental health issues and suicidal behaviour among older people living in residential care settings. However, there is little information on the actual prevalence of depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation in this population, how it is measured and how care homes respond to these issues.
Method: This systematic review of international literature addressed three research questions relating to; the prevalence of mental health problems in this population; how they are identified and; how care homes try to prevent or respond to mental health issues.
Results: Findings showed higher reported rates of depression and suicidal ideation (but not self-harm) in care home residents compared to matched age groups in the community, variation in the use and appropriateness of standardised measures across studies and, interventions almost exclusively focused on increasing staff knowledge about mental health but with an absence of involvement of older people themselves in these programmes.
Conclusion: We discuss the implications of these findings in the context of addressing mental health difficulties experienced by older people in residential care and future research in this area.

KeywordsOlder people; care homes; mental health; depression; suicide; staff training
PublisherRoutledge
JournalAging and Mental Health
ISSN1360-7863
Electronic1364-6915
Publication dates
Online04 Nov 2018
Print02 Nov 2019
Publication process dates
Deposited06 Nov 2018
Accepted11 Jul 2018
Submitted28 Jan 2018
Output statusPublished
Accepted author manuscript
Copyright Statement

This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Aging and Mental Health on 04/11/2018, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/13607863.2018.1501666

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/13607863.2018.1501666
Scopus EID2-s2.0-85056786896
Web of Science identifierWOS:000486081400003
LanguageEnglish
Permalink -

https://repository.mdx.ac.uk/item/88012

Log in to edit

Download files

Accepted author manuscript
Accepted Systematic review_older people, suicide and self-harm_gleeson etal..docx
Accepted_Systematic_review_older_people_suicide_and_self-harm_gleeson_etal..pdf

  • 76
    total views
  • 28
    total downloads
  • 3
    views this month
  • 1
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Navigating social work practice research challenges: collaboration, participant rights and ethics
Gleeson, H., Allain, L. and Hingley-Jones, H. 2024. Navigating social work practice research challenges: collaboration, participant rights and ethics. European Social Work Research. 2 (2), pp. 109-122. https://doi.org/10.1332/27551768Y2024D000000011
Evidence based practice and social work: Developing critically engaged research minded practitioners through enhancing research methods teaching
Gleeson, H. and Pezzella, A. 2024. Evidence based practice and social work: Developing critically engaged research minded practitioners through enhancing research methods teaching. in: Przeperski, J. and Baikady, R. (ed.) The Routledge International Handbook of Social Work Teaching Taylor & Francis (Routledge).
The risk matrix : drug-related deaths in prisons in England and Wales, 2015–2020
Duke, K., Gleeson, H., MacGregor, S. and Thom, B. 2024. The risk matrix : drug-related deaths in prisons in England and Wales, 2015–2020. Journal of Community Psychology. 52 (8), pp. 1056-1077. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.22989
North London social work teaching partnership practice educator research project
Hingley-Jones, H., Apeah-Kubi, D. and Gleeson, H. 2023. North London social work teaching partnership practice educator research project. London, UK Middlesex University.
Young people on the 'edge of care': perspectives regarding a residential family intervention programme using social pedagogic and systemic approaches- striving for 'humane practice'
Allain, L., Hingley-Jones, H., McQuarrie, T., Gleeson, H., Apeah-Kubi, D., Ogunnaike, B. and Lewis-Brooke, S. 2023. Young people on the 'edge of care': perspectives regarding a residential family intervention programme using social pedagogic and systemic approaches- striving for 'humane practice'. Journal of Social Work Practice. 37 (2), pp. 247-261. https://doi.org/10.1080/02650533.2022.2162490
Building cultures of participation: involving young people in contact with the criminal justice system in the development of drug interventions in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Italy and Poland
Duke, K., Gleeson, H., Dabrowska, K., Herold, M., Rolando, S. and Thom, B. 2023. Building cultures of participation: involving young people in contact with the criminal justice system in the development of drug interventions in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Italy and Poland. Youth Justice. 23 (1), pp. 97-116. https://doi.org/10.1177/14732254221075206
Interprofessional Perspectives of Mental Health Crisis for Nursing, Health, and the Helping Professions, Kris Deering and Joanne Williams, eds [Book Review]
Quaife, M. 2022. Interprofessional Perspectives of Mental Health Crisis for Nursing, Health, and the Helping Professions, Kris Deering and Joanne Williams, eds [Book Review]. The British Journal of Social Work. https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcac203
‘…Be the change, you want to see…’: Evaluation of a pilot mentor scheme for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic social work students
Hingley-Jones, H., Apeah-Kubi, D., Quaife, M. and Gleeson, H. 2022. ‘…Be the change, you want to see…’: Evaluation of a pilot mentor scheme for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic social work students. London, UK Department of Mental Health and Social Work.
A scoping review exploring the 'grey area' of suicide-related expression in later life: developing a conceptual framework for professional engagement
Hafford-Letchfield, T., Jain, B., Gleeson, H., Roesch, C. and Ellmers, T. 2022. A scoping review exploring the 'grey area' of suicide-related expression in later life: developing a conceptual framework for professional engagement. Ageing & Society. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X22000642
Assessing suicide ideation among older adults: a systematic review of screening and measurement tools
Gleeson, H., Roesch, C., Hafford-Letchfield, T. and Ellmers, T. 2022. Assessing suicide ideation among older adults: a systematic review of screening and measurement tools. International Psychogeriatrics. 34 (5), pp. 439-452. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1041610221002659
Learning to become evidence based social workers: student views on research education and implementation in practice
Gleeson, H., Pezzella, A. and Rahman, N. 2023. Learning to become evidence based social workers: student views on research education and implementation in practice. Social Work Education. 42 (3), pp. 285-301. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2021.1965113
Knowledge and policy about LGBTQI migrants: a scoping review of the Canadian and global context
Lee, E., Kamgain, O., Hafford-Letchfield, T., Gleeson, H., Pullen-Sansfaçon, A. and Luu, F. 2021. Knowledge and policy about LGBTQI migrants: a scoping review of the Canadian and global context. Journal of International Migration and Integration. 22 (3), pp. 831-848. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12134-020-00771-4
Expansive learning: online nurse education that is co-produced, creative and critical
Lambert, N., Pezzella, A., Vargas, A., Willimott, J. and Gleeson, H. 2021. Expansive learning: online nurse education that is co-produced, creative and critical. RCN Education Forum National Conference & Exhibition 2021. Stepping up: educating the nursing workforce in challenging times. London (Online) 20 - 21 Apr 2021
The engagement of young people in drug interventions in coercive contexts: findings from a cross-national European study
Duke, K., Gleeson, H., Dabrowska, K., Herold, M. and Rolando, S. 2021. The engagement of young people in drug interventions in coercive contexts: findings from a cross-national European study. Drugs: Education, Prevention, and Policy. 28 (1), pp. 26-35. https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2020.1763917
Exploring gendered differences among polish migrants in the UK in problematic drinking and pathways into and through alcohol treatment
Gleeson, H., Herring, R. and Bayley, M. 2022. Exploring gendered differences among polish migrants in the UK in problematic drinking and pathways into and through alcohol treatment. Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse. 21 (3), pp. 1120-1140. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332640.2020.1836697
Rapid evidence review: drinking problems and interventions in black and minority ethnic communities
Gleeson, H., Thom, B., Bayley, M. and McQuarrie, T. 2019. Rapid evidence review: drinking problems and interventions in black and minority ethnic communities. Alcohol Change UK.
Exploring pathways through and beyond alcohol treatment among Polish women and men in a London Borough
Herring, R., Gleeson, H. and Bayley, M. 2019. Exploring pathways through and beyond alcohol treatment among Polish women and men in a London Borough. Alcohol Change UK.
'He just gave up': an exploratory study into the perspectives of paid carers on supporting older people living in care homes with depression, self-harm, and suicide ideation and behaviours
Hafford-Letchfield, T., Gleeson, H., Ryan, P., Billings, B., Teacher, R., Quaife, M., Flynn, A., Zanone Poma, S. and Vicentini, S. 2020. 'He just gave up': an exploratory study into the perspectives of paid carers on supporting older people living in care homes with depression, self-harm, and suicide ideation and behaviours. Ageing & Society. 40 (5), pp. 984-1003. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0144686X18001447
"Roll back the years": A study of grandparent special guardians' experiences and implications for social work policy and practice in England
Hingley-Jones, H., Allain, L., Gleeson, H. and Twumasi, B. 2020. "Roll back the years": A study of grandparent special guardians' experiences and implications for social work policy and practice in England. Child & Family Social Work. 25 (3), pp. 526-535. https://doi.org/10.1111/cfs.12718
Framing 'drug prevention' for young people in contact with the criminal justice system in England: views from practitioners in the field
Duke, K., Thom, B. and Gleeson, H. 2020. Framing 'drug prevention' for young people in contact with the criminal justice system in England: views from practitioners in the field. Journal of Youth Studies. 23 (4), pp. 511-529. https://doi.org/10.1080/13676261.2019.1632818
Perspectives of paid carers on supporting older people in care homes with depression, self-harm and suicidal behaviours
Quaife, M., Flynn, A. and Hafford-Letchfield, T. 2019. Perspectives of paid carers on supporting older people in care homes with depression, self-harm and suicidal behaviours. Towards Capability in Ageing – from cell to society. Gothenburg, Sweden 22 - 25 May 2019 pp. 1-12
Care home staff and family carers perspectives on passive suicide ideation and behaviour of older people in care homes
Quaife, M. and Hafford-Letchfield, T. 2019. Care home staff and family carers perspectives on passive suicide ideation and behaviour of older people in care homes. Mary Butterworth Care Home Forum. Kings College London 05 Jun 2019 pp. 1-17
Challenges to providing culturally sensitive drug interventions for black and Asian minority ethnic (BAME) groups within UK youth justice systems
Gleeson, H., Duke, K. and Thom, B. 2019. Challenges to providing culturally sensitive drug interventions for black and Asian minority ethnic (BAME) groups within UK youth justice systems. Drugs and Alcohol Today. 19 (3), pp. 172-181. https://doi.org/10.1108/DAT-11-2018-0068
Vulnerable adults in the privately rented sector in England: a snapshot of current practice issues
Hafford-Letchfield, T., Gleeson, H. and Mohammed, R. 2019. Vulnerable adults in the privately rented sector in England: a snapshot of current practice issues. Practice: Social Work in Action. 31 (2), pp. 97-115. https://doi.org/10.1080/09503153.2018.1455176
Giving up? Exploring the perspectives of paid carers on supporting older people living in care homes with depression, self-harm and suicide ideation
Hafford-Letchfield, T., Gleeson, H., Billings, B., Teacher, R. and Quaife, M. 2018. Giving up? Exploring the perspectives of paid carers on supporting older people living in care homes with depression, self-harm and suicide ideation. Mental health, depression, suicidal ideation and behaviour in older people living in care homes. Middlesex University Early Evening Public Seminar 31 Oct 2018 pp. 1-13
Exploring the meaning of young people's attitudes towards the police. A qualitative study of Irish youth
Gleeson, H. 2018. Exploring the meaning of young people's attitudes towards the police. A qualitative study of Irish youth. International Journal of Law, Crime and Justice. 55, pp. 97-105. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijlcj.2018.10.004
Student freedom and responsibility; academic citizenship and societal engagement: politics, professionalism and practice
Lambert, N., Pezzella, A. and Gleeson, H. 2018. Student freedom and responsibility; academic citizenship and societal engagement: politics, professionalism and practice. Philosophy and Theory of Higher Education Conference: ‘Student Being and Becoming in the Future University’. Middlesex University London, United Kingdom 11 - 12 Sep 2018
The state of knowledge about LGBTQI migrants living in the Global North
Gleeson, H. and Kamgain, O. 2018. The state of knowledge about LGBTQI migrants living in the Global North. Social Work & Sexualities Conference. University of Montreal, Canada 09 - 10 Aug 2018
The state of knowledge about LGBTQI migrants living in Canada
Lee, E., Hafford-Letchfield, T., Pullen Sansfaçon, A., Kamgain, O. and Gleeson, H. 2018. The state of knowledge about LGBTQI migrants living in Canada. The Joint World Conference on Social Work, Education and Social Development (SWSD) 2018. Dublin, Ireland 04 - 07 Jul 2018 pp. 1-17
PMVA training for mental health nursing students
Price, D., Pezzella, A. and Gleeson, H. 2018. PMVA training for mental health nursing students. Mental Health: Proud to be different!. Middlesex University, London, United Kingdom 05 Jun 2018
EPPIC: 2nd National report executive summary (England) Descriptions of innovative approaches including professionals’ and young peoples’ perceptions and narratives
Thom, B., Duke, K. and Gleeson, H. 2018. EPPIC: 2nd National report executive summary (England) Descriptions of innovative approaches including professionals’ and young peoples’ perceptions and narratives. Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Middlesex University.
EPPIC: 2nd National report (England) Descriptions of innovative approaches including professionals’ and young peoples’ perceptions and narratives
Thom, B., Duke, K. and Gleeson, H. 2018. EPPIC: 2nd National report (England) Descriptions of innovative approaches including professionals’ and young peoples’ perceptions and narratives. Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Middlesex University.
Interventions to prevent and reduce young people’s substance use and criminal justice involvement trajectories
Gleeson, H., Duke, K., Clarke, Z. and Thom, B. 2018. Interventions to prevent and reduce young people’s substance use and criminal justice involvement trajectories. London, UK Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Middlesex University.
The mental health challenges faced by LGBTQI migrants in Europe post migration in relation to the global LGBTQI rights agenda
Gleeson, H. and Hafford-Letchfield, T. 2018. The mental health challenges faced by LGBTQI migrants in Europe post migration in relation to the global LGBTQI rights agenda. Mental Health, Refugees and Migration. Athens Greece 24 May 2018 pp. 1-14
The state of knowledge about LGBTQI migrants living in Canada in relation to the global LGBTQI rights agenda
Lee, E., Hafford-Letchfield, T., Pullen Sansfaçon, A., Kamgain, O., Gleeson, H. and Luu, F. 2017. The state of knowledge about LGBTQI migrants living in Canada in relation to the global LGBTQI rights agenda. Montréal, Canada Université de Montréal.
Systematic review of approaches to using patient experience data for quality improvement in healthcare settings
Gleeson, H., Calderon, A., Swami, V., Deighton, J., Wolpert, M. and Edbrooke-Childs, J. 2016. Systematic review of approaches to using patient experience data for quality improvement in healthcare settings. BMJ Open. 6 (8). https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2016-011907