Characteristics of Socially Isolated Residents in Long-Term Care: A Retrospective Cohort Study. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chamberlain, Stephanie A.; Duggleby, Wendy; Teaster, Pamela B.; Estabrooks, Carole A.
• Is Part Of: Gerontology & geriatric medicine. Volume 6(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: social isolation -- long-term care -- dementia; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97005
• DOI: 10.1177/2333721420975321
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2333-7214

Abstract

Objectives: To identify socially isolated long-term care residents and to compare their demographic characteristics, functional status, and health conditions to residents who are not isolated.Methods : We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Resident Assessment Instrument, Minimum Data Set, 2.0 (RAI-MDS) data, from residents in 34 long-term care homes in Alberta, Canada (2008–2018). Using logistic regression, we compared the characteristics, conditions, and functional status of residents who were socially isolated (no contact with family/friends) and non-socially isolated residents.Results : Socially isolated residents were male, younger, and had a longer length of stay in the home, than non-socially isolated residents. Socially isolated residents lacked social engagement and exhibited signs of depression.Discussion: Socially isolated residents had unique care concerns, including psychiatric disorders, and co-morbid conditions. Our approach, using a single item in an existing data source, has the potential to assist clinicians in screening for socially isolated long-term care residents.