Aims: Older people experiencing mental distress are commonly overlooked in research and policy in New Zealand, partly due to lack of consistent national service provision and collation of information. This study aimed to: 1. Describe service arrangements for older people's mental health; 2. Describe mental health service use from age 65, where data is available.
Methods: DHBs were surveyed to determine mental health service delivery and funding models for adults aged 65 and older. PRIMHD was used to explore demographic and clinical characteristics of older people using mental health services in Northern and Midland DHBs between 2009 and 2015.
Results: DHBs vary in funding, access and reporting arrangements for older people's mental health services. Most services provide information into PRIMHD, but this is often partially complete. In the Northern and Midland regions, 2.2 % of older adults access specialist mental health services. People aged 65-74 were more likely to have previously used mental health services, live in deprived areas, have functional mental health conditions and have high treatment intensity than older age groups.
Conclusions: National consistency in data collection and service delivery for older people is needed. Further investigation is needed to understand the needs of people with prior mental health service contact.