In nursing facilities, regulations from the Health Care Financing Administration have increased attention and oversight regarding use of these agents. In the assisted living arena, several preliminary studies have shown that the problems that existed in nursing facilities a few years ago are prevalent in that environment. 2 Studies have also documented similar problems among community dwelling elderly. Whatever the environment, there is a need for greater education and awareness regarding the appropriate use of psychotherapeutic medications. Older adults should be screened for presence of affective, cognitive, and other psychiatric disorders.
Older adults are at higher risk for affective and cognitive disorders.
Health professionals, including physicians and pharmacists, who interact with older adults, should be alert for signs of common psychiatric disorders among older adults, including depression and dementia. When appropriate, the health professional should administer the screening tools or the patient should be referred to another health professional for screening. These screening tools are used to determine the need for further assessment. Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia Psychiatric disorders are especially common among the frail elderly who reside in nursing facilities and assisted living facilities. 4 Residents of assisted living facilities also have a high prevalence of depression and cognitive impairment.