TY - JOUR
T1 - Rural mental health and elders
T2 - Historical inequities
AU - Lawrence, S. A.
AU - McCulloch, B. J.
PY - 2001
Y1 - 2001
N2 - Although there have been unexpected and unintended consequences - and what many might consider inadequate care - America has consistently attempted to care for its mentally ill. This article provides a historical review of the pathways this care has taken, with particular focus on the persistent inequities older and rural adults experience with regard to mental health care. The care of people with mental illness has taken different forms as social, political, and economic environments have changed. The persistent social construction of myths about aging in rural areas and ageist biases necessitate greater advocacy if more equitable care is to be provided. This will unquestionably involve addressing the myths surrounding rural life, removing the stigma attached to mental illness, becoming aware of the biases inherent in current service delivery systems, and developing new and different models for the delivery of care that is appropriate to diverse, rural settings.
AB - Although there have been unexpected and unintended consequences - and what many might consider inadequate care - America has consistently attempted to care for its mentally ill. This article provides a historical review of the pathways this care has taken, with particular focus on the persistent inequities older and rural adults experience with regard to mental health care. The care of people with mental illness has taken different forms as social, political, and economic environments have changed. The persistent social construction of myths about aging in rural areas and ageist biases necessitate greater advocacy if more equitable care is to be provided. This will unquestionably involve addressing the myths surrounding rural life, removing the stigma attached to mental illness, becoming aware of the biases inherent in current service delivery systems, and developing new and different models for the delivery of care that is appropriate to diverse, rural settings.
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U2 - 10.1177/073346480102000202
DO - 10.1177/073346480102000202
M3 - Review article
AN - SCOPUS:0035195371
SN - 0733-4648
VL - 20
SP - 144
EP - 169
JO - Journal of Applied Gerontology
JF - Journal of Applied Gerontology
IS - 2
ER -