The Role of a Community Mental Health Center in Developing Services to the Aging The Older Adult Project
(1974)
Journal - The Gerontologist
Abstract :
The authors report on a multifaceted program for an aging populationdeveloped by an urban community mental health center (CMHC),in collaboration with a group of local clergymen and their churches.The project recruited and trained a cadre of older case aides,who then developed active outreach and casework services asfoundations for meeting needs through crisis intervention, counseling,transportation, nutrition, and socialization. Data are presentedsummarizing the project's case load and service experience.It is the authors' thesis that CMHCs can amplify the new politicalpower of the elderly with their own advocacy and significantlyhelp to surmount the omnipresent bureaucratic, legislative,and funding barriers to essential services for the aging.