Much more still needs to be done to improve mental health services for older people in England, according to an updated report from the Audit Commission.

The key finding to emerge from the study is that mental health practice and provision for older people across the country is inconsistent. Many areas still have a lot to do to meet the requirements of the National Service Framework.

Forum Response: Audit Commission

Sir Andrew Foster, controller of the Audit Commission, told ePolitix.com: "In our later years, many of us are vulnerable to mental health problems such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. It's at this point that we need lots of support and good quality care. However, our update shows clearly this is not happening everywhere.

"Things need to change, and that change needs to happen quickly. People over 85 are the fastest growing age group in the country, so demands on mental health services from older people are not going to let up. Mental health providers have a duty to meet the requirements of the National Service Framework for Older People. We hope our update will help them to meet those requirements successfully."

Forum Response: SANE

Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of SANE, told ePolitix.com: "Mental illness can strike older people with the same devastating effects for individuals and families as those in younger age groups.

"These findings sadly mirror those of the thousand callers a week to our helpline, SANELINE, over 40 per cent of whom think that services are not helpful, and over 30 per cent that they do not meet their particular need. A recent survey of carers calling the helpline showed that the need for information was the main reason for calling.

"It is distressing that over 17 per cent of suicides in the United Kingdom are committed by people over the age of 65, strongly associated with depression and living alone. Today's report must act as a spur to services to treat the mental health needs of older people with the same seriousness as their physical needs."