People in later life face many changes such as stopping work, bereavement and having less money to live on. Unfortunately, long-term illnesses are more likely and people can become less mobile and less able to get out and carry on normal activities. Loneliness and isolation can result which can lead to depression and anxiety. Some people may experience memory loss, which could be a sign of the onset of dementia, but it may have another cause, such as poor hearing, the side effects of medication, chronic pain or anxiety.

Most older people with mental health difficulties will be treated and supported by their GP in primary care. There are also voluntary and faith sector organisations that can provide support services and many people do not need a referral into specialist mental health services.There is an information service called Older Sheffield, which has details of what is on offer for older people in Sheffield. See www.oldersheffield.org.uk

Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Foundation Trust (SHSC) provides specialist mental health advice, support and treatment for adults over 65 years of age who have more serious and/or complex mental health problems. Services include Community Mental Health Teams, day services, memory services, dementia rapid response and inpatient services. These are provided in different settings, depending on a person’s needs, including in the person’s own home, in clinics, in hospital and in residential and nursing homes. See www.shsc.nhs.uk. Access to specialist mental health services is through the GP.