Report: Too little mental health care for boomers - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

Report: Too little mental health care for boomers

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WASHINGTON (WKOW) -- Millions of aging baby boomers may have a hard time finding care for mental health problems, according to a new report.

The Institute of Medicine says as many as 1 in 5 seniors has a mental health or substance abuse problem.

According to the new report, the nation is lacking in doctors, nurses and other health workers trained for their special mental health needs, as the country focuses instead on preparing for the physical health needs of a rapidly aging population.

The report shows at least 5.6 million to 8 million Americans 65 and older have a mental health condition or substance abuse disorder, numbers sure to grow as the senior population does.

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