Preventing Loneliness in Elderly Care : A Descriptive Literature Review
Mahadurage, Nayomi; Mudunkotuwa, Mithila (2024)
2024
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024103027081
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024103027081
Tiivistelmä
Loneliness among elderly residents in nursing homes, exploring causes and prevention strategies. It addresses loneliness as a critical issue impacting mental and physical health, leading to increased depression, anxiety, and even mortality among the elderly.
Key findings identify factors contributing to loneliness, including inadequate family support, lack of social networks, limited leisure activities, emotional suffering, and the inherent isolation of living in nursing homes. COVID-19 exacerbated this issue by restricting family visits and social interactions, further heightening feelings of isolation.
The thesis suggests several preventive strategies: music therapy to enhance mood, digital communication tools like video calls to maintain family connections, and positive relationship-building activities to improve social bonds. Other recommendations include promoting leisure activities and individualized care plans to preserve autonomy and reduce loneliness. The study underscores a holistic approach, integrating physical, emotional, and social care elements to enhance the well-being of elderly individuals in care settings.
Key findings identify factors contributing to loneliness, including inadequate family support, lack of social networks, limited leisure activities, emotional suffering, and the inherent isolation of living in nursing homes. COVID-19 exacerbated this issue by restricting family visits and social interactions, further heightening feelings of isolation.
The thesis suggests several preventive strategies: music therapy to enhance mood, digital communication tools like video calls to maintain family connections, and positive relationship-building activities to improve social bonds. Other recommendations include promoting leisure activities and individualized care plans to preserve autonomy and reduce loneliness. The study underscores a holistic approach, integrating physical, emotional, and social care elements to enhance the well-being of elderly individuals in care settings.