Mental Health Screening Urged for Older People

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Older people should be screened for mental health problems as part of routine primary care, MP Dr Munir Seroor has said, citing the mental health risks linked to ageing, loneliness and social isolation.

He called for mental wellbeing to form part of routine care for older people, with primary care checks aimed at identifying signs of depression, anxiety and other psychological problems.

 Dr Seroor also urged a review of Bahrain’s 2009 law on the rights of older people, saying 16 years had passed since it was issued and that the rules should keep pace with changing needs.

 He said the law should give greater weight to independence, privacy and the right of older people to have a say in policies and decisions that affect them.

 ‘The value of legislation lies in the effect it has on the lives of older people, their dignity and the quality of care they receive,’ Dr Seroor said. ‘Any gap between the law as written and the way it is applied must be closed.’

 He called for clear rules on licensing, inspections and complaints, along with measurable data to assess how care and protection measures are working.

Dr Seroor said older people also needed protection from physical and psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, financial exploitation and misuse of powers of attorney.

He called for an easy way to report abuse and file complaints, with clear duties placed on the bodies handling such cases and clear standards for their response.

‘Care for older people should cover their health, social needs, mental wellbeing, independence, money and right to take part in society,’ he said. ‘These rights are part of preserving their dignity and keeping them active in family and community life.’

Dr Seroor said the 2009 law had given formal recognition to the rights of older people and to the value of their experience, work and contribution to society.