B. Psychogeriatric program in a public housing setting

Conclusion

The potential range, richness, and reach that can be achieved with mental health services for the elderly in the community should be apparent from the above discussion. Once one recognizes (1) the differentiation between mental disorder and normal aging in later life, (2) the fact that many older people and their families want mental health and aging services if they are accessible, and (3) the findings that older people can and do benefit from such treatment, then the sense of optimism and responsibility for improving the development and delivery of mental health care for the elderly in general increases. Opportunities for effective mental health interventions within senior housing projects offer a case in point.