Effects of Tailored Case Management using a Gatekeeper for the Depressed Single-household Elderly Population -Focusing on the Mental Health Case Management-

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of tailored case management using a gatekeeper on depression and life satisfaction in the single-household elderly population. Methods: The design of Quasi experiment was applied to compare the variables before and after the management. Ninety-seven people who had depression categorized by the Korean Geriatric Depression Scale. Results: Depression (t=11.22, p<.001) and life satisfaction (t=-5.36, p<.001) were improved after management in comparison to the results of pre-tests, and the differences were statistically significant. The difference in the pre-test and post-test scores of the support system (x 2 =13.89, p<.001) were significant, while the differences in the perception of depression (x 2 =.02, p=.891) and coping methods (x 2 =.34, p=.558) were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Tailored case management using a gatekeeper is effective to reduce the degree of depression and improve life satisfaction in the singlehousehold elderly population having depression. This study offers a model of individualized as well as systemic mental health care for the community of single-house hold elderly people as an effective means for prevention of and early intervention in depression.