Abstract
<p>The elderly population in America is expected to more than double over the next half century. Consequently, the corresponding growth of the culturally Deaf' elderly population becomes important to examine. Because this population is a subgroup of both the hearing elderly and culturally Deaf populations, the expectation is that mental health professionals working with Deaf elderly clients will have specific concerns and will behave in ways that are specific to this population. Little is known, however, about the issues that challenge mental health professionals working with elderly Deaf clients. At present, mental health professions across all fields are unprepared to provide competent and quality services to the growing numbers of elderly Deaf clients.</p>
<p>This review attempts to shed some light on this unique population, while at the same time, point out the cultural differences critical to providing best quality of services from mental health professionals. The need for more current and applicable research is also explored, with emphasis on the elderly Deaf as an underserved and under-researched population.</p>
