Social Isolation and Dementia

Impact of social isolation

A relatively new idea concerning its effects on humans, families, and communities.

Key predictor of negative health outcomes

An individual’s ability to socialize or lack thereof.

Social isolation defined

A condition where individuals lack social interaction and meaningful contact with others.

Social Isolation and Aloneness

Social isolation refers to the actual absence of social interactions, while aloneness is simply being by oneself without implying the emotional consequences of isolation.

Social isolation and loneliness

Social isolation refers to the actual absence of social interactions, while loneliness is the feelings resulting from social isolation.

Typology of social isolation

Persistence, Action orientation and Coping strategies

Social isolation and older adults

Older adults face substantial risk of social isolation, functional disability and independence

Risk factors and predictors of social isolation

• Physical factors

• Psychological factors

• Economic factors

• Work/family changes

• Environmental factors

• Demographic factors

Negative Outcomes of Social Isolation

• Physical: Mortality

• Psychological: Diminished cognitive well-being

• Social: Level of inactivity and increased smoking rates

Assessing social isolation

• Negativity

  Involuntary or other imposed solitude

  Declining quality and number of individuals within social networks

Objective section of the Social Isolation Scale

Measures measurable factors contributing to social isolation.

Subjective section of the Social Isolation Scale

Measures personal feelings and experiences regarding social connections.

Reciprocity or mutuality

Amount of give and take that occurs

Social Components of Social Isolation

Individuals perceived themselves disconnected from meaningful discourse

Interventions for social isolation

• Increase the moral autonomy or freedom of choice of the isolate

• Increase social interaction at a level acceptable to the client

• Use repetitive and recognizable strategies that are validated with the client

• Self-management of chronic illness

• Respite for caregivers

• Technology

• Social isolation in the world of COVID-19

Coping strategies for social isolation

Actions individuals can take to manage the effects of social isolation.

Economic factors affecting social isolation

Financial circumstances that can limit social interactions.

Environmental factors influencing social isolation

Living conditions or surroundings that affect social connectivity.

Technology's role in addressing social isolation

Utilizing digital tools to enhance social connectivity during times like COVID-19.

Social components of social isolation

The perception of being disconnected from meaningful discourse.

Mutuality in social relationships

The amount of give and take that occurs in interactions.

Risk factors for social isolation

Identify physical, psychological, economic, work/family changes, and demographic factors.

Involuntary solitude

A type of social isolation experienced against one's will.

Social isolation assessment

Evaluating an individual's social network and interaction levels.

Repetitive and recognizable strategies in intervention

Using familiar methods to validate and support clients.

Respite for caregivers

Support services designed to provide temporary relief to those caring for individuals in need due to isolation.

Chronic psychosocial condition

Social isolation as a long-term issue that may accompany medical illnesses.

Future trajectory of addressing social isolation

A focus on continuous identification and intervention for social isolation in clients.

Importance of healthcare professionals

Nurses and healthcare workers as partners in recognizing and addressing social isolation.

Functional disability

Physical impairments that limit an individual's independence and contribute to social isolation.

Older adults' social networks

The declining quality and number of individuals within older adults' social circles.

Social isolation versus solitude

Social isolation is the lack of social interaction and meaningful relationships, while solitude refers to the state of being alone without the emotional consequences associated with being socially isolated.

Chronic psychosocial condition

Social isolation as a long-term issue that may accompany medical illnesses.

Future Trajectory

• Social isolation is a chronic psychosocial condition that is always part of the client’s underlying illness process

• Nurses and other healthcare professionals are valuable partners

  • May be only hope to uncover social isolation and help clients overcome it