Treating depression in disabled, low-income elderly: a conceptual model and recommendations for care

Background: The treatment of depression in low-income older adults who live in poverty is complicated by several factors. Poor access to resources, disability, and mild cognitive impairment are the main factors that moderate treatment effects in this population. Interventions that not only address the depressive syndrome but also manage social adversity are sorely needed to help this patient population recover from depression.

Methods: This paper is a literature review of correlates of depression in late life. In the review we propose a treatment model that combines case management (CM) to address social adversity with problem solving treatment (PST) to address the depressive syndrome.

Results: We present the case of Mr Z, an older gentleman living in poverty who is also depressed and physically disabled. In this case we illustrate how the combination of CM and PST can work together to ameliorate depression.

Conclusions: The combination of age, disability, and social adversity complicates the management and treatment of depression. CM and PST are interventions that work synergistically to overcome depression and manage social problems.