Mental health access for older adults grows
SAN JOSE – Access to mental health resources and services continues to expand in Santa Clara County. The Board of Supervisors received a progress update to expand mental health care access to older adults during the final Board meeting of the year, and directed County staff to report back on measurable progress.
“I’m encouraged that our effort — developed with the input of key stakeholders, programs, and agencies that work directly with our older adults — is making progress,” said Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian. “However, how do we know what we’re doing is making a difference? What do metrics for success or effectiveness look like? Let’s make informed decisions as we continue to press forward and expand these strategies.”
The updates, a follow-up to a workplan developed in April 2024, include enhancing existing safety net programs, expanding suicide prevention efforts, and improving wait times for cognitive assessments. In addition, the “Mental Health Services for Older Adults Workgroup” (Workgroup) was established in June 2024. The Workgroup, comprised of programs and agencies that provide services to older adults, supports the development and implementation of the workplan.
Older adults experience unique challenges as they age. Life changes, such as managing a serious illness or the loss of loved ones, can impact mental health. Loneliness, grief, and social isolation can affect even those with support and resilience, and lead to depression and anxiety.
The following seven strategies to reach, engage, and offer services to more older adults in Santa Clara County were included in the report:
Increase Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) with behavioral health expertise;
Expand suicide prevention for older adults;
Enhance existing older adult services, including safety net programs;
Improve access for patients of the County’s Behavioral Health Services Department;
Improve access for patients of Santa Clara Valley Healthcare;
Increase training for staff working with older adults; and
Partner with the state and other partners to address workforce shortages and mental illness stigma.
In November 2023, Simitian asked County staff to analyze existing services for older adults, identify the unique needs of older adults and the barriers they face when looking for care, and provide recommendations to close any gaps.
“Social isolation and loneliness is real,” said Simitian. “Continuing to think across departments and disciplines, and supporting programs like RYDE (the County sponsored transportation service for older adults), will be important as the County looks to expand mental health care access.”
At Simitian’s request, the development of metrics for success should be included in a future report back to the Board of Supervisors in 2025.