Mental Health of Elderly in Serbia-from Strategy to Reality

Abstract

National Mental Health Policy and Action Plan was adopted in January 2007 by Government of Republic Serbia. Elderly persons were brought in focus as growing population with growing number of elderly with mental disorders and services incapable to face this challenge. Last October, Institute of Gerontology promoted Geriatric Manual, published and distributed in Primary Care Facilities in Belgrade as it was supported by Municipal Secretariat of Health. Psychogeriatric issues took a part in Geriatric Manual with recognition of early detection of psychological disorders in elderly and importance of diagnose acute confusion state in everyday practice. It was just the beginning of education of primary care physicians in Belgrade. There were many meetings in Ministry of Health with aim of spreading this knowledge all around Serbia. Mental Health Department of Institute of Gerontology has ran education in psychogeriatric issues for primary care within Project supported by Municipal Secretariat of Health, Belgrade with main aim of developing network for caring of elderly mentally disturbed people. Very important part of network is within social institutions and in a private sector. On other hand in the same time round table within project was a part of antistigma campaign in primary care facilities and in community. A baseline report on health and social institutions accommodating with special focus on elderly with mental disorders were launched under WHO support.