Next steps for the elderly deinstitutionalized patient

Conclusion

In a time of limited resources, it is fortunate that the problems of the deinstitutionalized mentally ill elderly do not call for massive commitments of funds. The four groups addressing this problem developed some common themes that appear to fall into three categories: organizing existing agencies and groups into coalitions; educating the public, legislators, and leaders on the problem; and training advocates in the laws and rules touching the problem and in the skills needed to argue for solutions.

Step one for action is no doubt the creation of a national level coalition. The “next steps” committee urges the convenors of the conference to issue invitations to major national organizations to designate representatives to a meeting at which an advisory committee and steering committee can be formed. It also urges that this report be made available to the aging and mental health networks so the action recommendations can be known and community-level activity commenced.