Thomas, Ja’Queznic
(2024)
Interventions to Reduce Loneliness for Older People in Long-Term Facilities.
Master Essay, University of Pittsburgh.
Abstract
The increasing population of older persons is significantly elevating the demand for institutionalized care, highlighting a critical issue: loneliness among residents of long-term care facilities. Loneliness profoundly affects quality of life, making it essential to identify and implement effective interventions to address this issue. This systematic review explored interventions to mitigate loneliness among older adults in nursing homes. We conducted a comprehensive search using terms such as "older adults," "prevent," "loneliness," and "intervention" across three databases—PubMed, CINAHL, and PsycINFO—focusing on publications from 2010 to 2023. Out of 120 articles screened, 15 were selected for detailed analysis.
The review identified two primary categories of interventions: person-to-person/group therapies and technological solutions. Both types of interventions demonstrated promising results in reducing feelings of isolation. Group therapies were highly effective in diminishing loneliness, providing residents with meaningful social interactions. Technological interventions, such as pet robots, created engaging and socially stimulating environments for residents.
Additionally, messaging and videoconferencing interventions emphasized the importance of including a "third party." In this context, a third party refers to an external facilitator or mediator—such as a family member, volunteer, or professional caregiver—who helps to maintain and enhance communication and social interaction between the older people residents and their social networks. This additional support is crucial in facilitating connections and reducing feelings of isolation.
Despite the lack of precise definitions for the interventions and the absence of long-term follow-up data, the reviewed interventions showed significant potential in alleviating loneliness among older persons in long-term care settings. Further research is needed to refine these interventions and assess their long-term effectiveness to enhance the quality of life for older adults in institutional care.
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Details
| Item Type: |
Other Thesis, Dissertation, or Long Paper
(Master Essay)
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| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
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| Contributors: |
| Contribution | Contributors Name | Email | Pitt Username | ORCID  |
|---|
| Committee Chair | Bear, Todd | Tobst2@pitt.edu | Tobst2 | UNSPECIFIED | | Committee Chair | Felter, Elizabeth | EMFELTER@pitt.edu | EMFELTER | UNSPECIFIED |
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| Date: |
27 August 2024 |
| Date Type: |
Completion |
| Number of Pages: |
46 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Public Health > Behavioral and Community Health Sciences |
| Degree: |
MPH - Master of Public Health |
| Thesis Type: |
Master Essay |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Date Deposited: |
27 Aug 2024 15:59 |
| Last Modified: |
27 Aug 2024 15:59 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/46955 |
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