Nicolas G Quan1, Matthew C Lohman2,3, Nicholas V Resciniti2,3, Daniela B Friedman3,4. 1. Biological Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA. 2. Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA. 3. Office for the Study of Aging, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA. 4. Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to review loneliness interventions for older adults living in long-term care (LTC) facilities over the past 10 years, to categorize interventions by type, and to compare effectiveness of loneliness interventions in these settings. METHODS: Systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. Articles matching search criteria were collected from PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science from 2009 to 2019. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) English language, 2) intervention studies with a quantitative measure that compares pre-trial to post-trial changes, 3) loneliness as a primary or secondary outcome 4) subjects age >65, and 5) subjects living in a LTC facility, such as a nursing home, assisted-living, or hospice. RESULTS: A total of 15 intervention studies qualified for systematic review. Most of these interventions were psychological therapies and leisure/skill development interventions. Approximately, 87% of studies reported significant decreases in loneliness following intervention. Laughter therapy, horticultural therapy, and reminiscence therapy were associated with the greatest decreases in loneliness. DISCUSSION: Results suggest that, although less common than interventions in the community, there are several effective interventions to reduce loneliness among older adults living in LTC facilities. Lack of standardized measures and high-quality studies limits comparisons between intervention types and generalizability to different populations.
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to review loneliness interventions for older adults living in long-term care (LTC) facilities over the past 10 years, to categorize interventions by type, and to compare effectiveness of loneliness interventions in these settings. METHODS: Systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines. Articles matching search criteria were collected from PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science from 2009 to 2019. The inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) English language, 2) intervention studies with a quantitative measure that compares pre-trial to post-trial changes, 3) loneliness as a primary or secondary outcome 4) subjects age >65, and 5) subjects living in a LTC facility, such as a nursing home, assisted-living, or hospice. RESULTS: A total of 15 intervention studies qualified for systematic review. Most of these interventions were psychological therapies and leisure/skill development interventions. Approximately, 87% of studies reported significant decreases in loneliness following intervention. Laughter therapy, horticultural therapy, and reminiscence therapy were associated with the greatest decreases in loneliness. DISCUSSION: Results suggest that, although less common than interventions in the community, there are several effective interventions to reduce loneliness among older adults living in LTC facilities. Lack of standardized measures and high-quality studies limits comparisons between intervention types and generalizability to different populations.
Keywords:
Loneliness; long-term care facilities; older adults; systematic review
Authors: Sara Clemens; Katelynn Aelick; Jessica Babineau; Monica Bretzlaff; Cathleen Edwards; Josie-Lee Gibson; Debbie Hewitt Colborne; Andrea Iaboni; Dee Lender; Denise Schon; Ellen Snowball; Katherine S McGilton; Jennifer Bethell Journal: Health Sci Rep Date: 2022-07-20
Authors: Iria Dobarrio-Sanz; Crístofer Ruiz-González; Cayetano Fernández-Sola; Pablo Roman; José Granero-Molina; Jose Manuel Hernández-Padilla Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-11-17 Impact factor: 3.390