Older adults access to mental health and social care services during COVID-19 restrictions in Western Australia

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to understand the impact of COVID-19 on access to mental health and social services among older adults in Western Australia. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted with 194 adults aged ≥70 years or ≥60 years with chronic conditions. A questionnaire co-developed by a consumer reference group was used to collect data on social networks and service access. Frequency analyses were used to assess quantitative data. Qualitative data were assessed using thematic analyses. Results 62.7% of participants reported being not at all/slightly affected by COVID-19; 40.7% reported having three/four people to chat with. 76.3% of participants did not access mental health or social services during the 2020 COVID-19 restrictions. The remaining 23.7% mostly accessed mental health-related services, with GPs the most common source of support. 18.0% of the total sample reported choosing not to access services even though they would have liked to. Conclusions Most older adults in this sample did not access mental health or social care services. 18.0% of all participants felt they needed services but did not access them. This suggests there were some unmet needs within the community. Strengthening social networks may help protect older adults against psychosocial declines during and post-COVID-19. Key points What is already known about this topic: Older adults are at an increased risk of social isolation, loneliness, and mental health declines during COVID-19. COVID-19 has brought a substantial need for, and disruption to, mental health and social care services locally and globally. Services have had to change the way they deliver care, which has presented challenges in providing mental health and social support to older adults. What this topic adds: Most older adults did not access mental health or social care services during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. The greatest barriers to access were the belief that I “should be able to cope on my own” and a preference for face-to-face care. Local governments and community organisations play a key role in strengthening social networks and protecting older adults’ psychosocial wellbeing during and post-COVID-19.