Identifying “hidden” populations of older adults with mental handicap: Outreach in the U.K.

Abstract

This paper describes an Outreach Study which identified a population of older adults with mental handicap who were not in contact with specialist mental handicap service providers. The methodology and process of the study are described, which includes discussion of issues regarding defining the population, and important ethical considerations regarding attempting to identify a “hidden” population. The main results of the study are summarised, and the overall process and issues relating to identifying a “hidden” population of older adults with mental handicap are discussed and commented upon.