Loneliness Among Elderly in Nursing Care Homes : a scoping review

Abstract

This study sought to establish the prevalence of loneliness among elderly residents in nursing care homes, identify the contributing factors, and explore effective interventions. This review is timely since the population of elderly people in care homes is increasing and loneliness has severe implications for the quality of life. The main goal was to try and give a broad understanding of loneliness among elderly in the homecare settings, with the help of caregivers and how nursing care homes tackle issues arising due to loneliness and improving the general care given. A scoping review methodology was used, where studies from 2010 to 2024 were explored using the following databases: CINAHL Complete, PubMed, Sage Open Nurse, Semantic scholar, and Journals. The analysis of the findings for the 10 articles that met inclusion criteria employed thematic analysis. The review identified that the prevalence of loneliness among elderly residents in nursing care homes ranged from 35% to 61%. The major determinants of loneliness are age, health status, and lack of social support. Evidence-based interventions recommended for alleviating loneliness include facilitating social activities and group interactions, video conferencing using technology to interact with family and friends, conducting music therapy programs, and promoting exercise programs. This review also outlines that the multi-component approach should be tailored to individual needs and interests. These strategies, once implemented by caregivers, tend to improve the quality of life among elderly residents and reduce the psychological burdens associated with loneliness.