Australian older persons mental health inpatient and ambulatory services in 2015-2020-A descriptive analysis and commentary

Objective To provide a commentary on Australian state/territory older persons mental health service (OPMHS) expenditure, inpatient and outpatient services and key performance indicators (KPIs). Method Descriptive analysis of data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the World Health Organisation. Results Between 2015-16 and 2019-20, annual expenditure on OPMHS in Australia increased by an average of only 2.3%, compared to 2.9% for all population groups, despite an increase in the number of over 65 year olds. Per capita recurrent expenditure on OPMHS decreased by an average of 1% annually. Australia's total mental health beds increased, whereas OPMHS beds decreased, mainly due to a reduction in non-acute beds. Outcomes for OPMHS admissions were similar to other age groups, except for a longer length of stay and reduced readmission rate. Older Australians accessed ambulatory mental health care at a lower rate and had a lower rate of improvement after a completed episode. Conclusions OPMHS expenditure has not increased at commensurate levels compared to other populations. The mental health of people aged over 65 appears to be a neglected policy priority in Australia. The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety may herald service and expenditure changes.