The Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine, was asked to conduct a survey and analyze several sources of existing data. They surveyed several Maine agencies that serve elders (exclusive of mental health and substance abuse providers) regarding the perceived mental health needs of their clients, analyzed demographic and health characteristics of older adults receiving Medicaid-funded mental health and related services, and studied long term care assessment data.

Additional studies were undertaken by the DMHMRSAS. Two surveys targeted mental health and substance abuse providers respectively and addressed older adult mental health service provision. In addition, a statewide toll-free phone number was set up for anyone to call with concerns or comments to be included in DMHMRSAS' assessment of the mental health needs of elders. This was done as an alternative to public forums, which in recent years seem to draw fewer and fewer participants.