Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Mental Health Care for Older Adults

Psychosocial rehabilitation (PR) in old age psychiatry is the set of direct and indirect processes, mobilizing individuals and their environment, in order to allow adults at retirement age presenting a disability, a capacity limitation, or a difficulty of performance related to a mental health problem to recover an optimal functioning. PR for older adults doesn’t differ from that of younger adults. But their specific needs require special skills of professionals and specific resources too. In older adults, the social reintegration and rehabilitation aspects are more valued than vocational ones. Solutions are required for the participation of retirees in all kind of activities within the community. Two complementary dimensions must be taken into account: the psychological well-being and individual resilience. The reduction of stigma and discrimination is central. By acting on social determinants of health, it is possible to improve a better subjective mental health and well-being, to build the capacity of communities to manage adversity, and to reduce the burden and consequences of mental health problems. Primary care teams should be included in all PR program as a cost-effective valuable resource able to deliver and manage important steps of such programs in the respect of local cultural rules.