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Current Geriatrics Reports
Published in: Current Geriatrics Reports 3/2019

01-09-2019 | Care | Geriatric Psychiatry (S Lehmann, Section Editor)

Mental Health Care of Older Adults: Does Cultural Competence Matter?

Authors: Maria D. Llorente, Margaret Valverde

Published in: Current Geriatrics Reports | Issue 3/2019

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Minority and limited English proficiency seniors are consistently found to have multiple health care disparities, including higher incidence and prevalence of various mental health conditions. The purpose of this paper is to review current literature on culturally competent mental health care for older adults.

Recent Findings

The US population is aging and becoming increasingly more diverse. Minority and underserved groups of seniors are known to suffer from lower health literacy, limited English proficiency, and poorer health care outcomes. Quality mental health care is particularly dependent on being able to deliver services that are culturally and linguistically component. Federal agencies, accreditation and regulatory bodies, and mental health advocacy groups all offer online resources to facilitate and empower providers and mental health care organizations to enhance their ability to provide culturally competent services.

Summary

There is evidence that cultural competence training improves provider awareness of disparities and cultural needs of a given target population. There are also trends that suggest that culturally competent care improves patient satisfaction and perceptions of providers. Future research is needed to further define the degree to which culturally competent care, and which aspects of that care, can reduce disparities and improve patient outcomes.
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Metadata
Title
Mental Health Care of Older Adults: Does Cultural Competence Matter?
Authors
Maria D. Llorente
Margaret Valverde
Publication date
01-09-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Keyword
Care
Published in
Current Geriatrics Reports / Issue 3/2019
Electronic ISSN: 2196-7865
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-019-00284-8

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