The Home Care Advantage: Preventing Social Isolation

Cause of Social Isolation

Lack of social interactions frequently causes “Social Isolation” among seniors and the elderly which can be a cause for serious concern.  With the advent of social isolation comes a greater risk of diminished overall well-being, influencing other effects such as depression, malnutrition, and injury. These effects can inevitably lead to other serious ailments such as anxiety, dementia, or prolonged immobility.³

The Government of Canada reports “Up to 16% of Canadian seniors experience social isolation, and about 30% are at risk of becoming socially isolated. Having compromised health status or multiple chronic health problems are factors that may place seniors at risk of social isolation and loneliness.”¹

Another report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) indicates that more than 33% of adults 45 or older feel some type of loneliness from time to time. The report finds that almost 25% of individuals 65 or older can be considered socially isolated. Seniors and the elderly are at greatest risk for social isolation since they have a higher chance of living alone. Seniors are also at greater risk for loss of family support, passing of companions, ongoing chronic illnesses, and hearing or vision loss.²

Loneliness can be a leading cause of depression, malnutrition, and dementia. Once depression sets into older adults, even with renewed contact, the individual may still feel removed from society. Social detachment is the result of the ongoing absence of social interactions. Becoming socially detached can prompt feelings of dejection in certain individuals, while others can feel lonely without being fully disconnected from others. ³

Dangers of Social Isolation

In spite of the fact that it’s difficult to gauge the real-life effects of social isolation and loneliness, there is solid research that indicates, those who are socially isolated from others can form additional health issues.

Studies into the effects of isolation in the elderly have uncovered:

1. Social isolation fundamentally increases an individual’s chance of unexpected passing from all types of causes, a risk that might be equal or greater to than those of smoking, obesity, and immobility. ³
2. Social isolation was linked with an approximately 50% increase in the possibility of dementia.
3. Lack of social connections was linked with a 29% higher chance of coronary illness such as a heart attack and a 32% increase in the risk of stroke.²
4. Isolation and loneliness was linked with higher number of depression, anxiety, and self-destruction.
5. Lonelines among cardiovascular patients was related with an almost 400% increase in the chance of death, 68% increased chance of hospitalization, and 57% increased chance of visiting a hospital emergency room. ²

Minorities Are at Highest Risk of Social Isolation

New research suggests that minority populations experience loneliness and social isolation more often than others.  Minorities are often subject to lower-income occupations and in turn lower incomes. According to the government of Canada, “Social determinants of health refer to “the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age. People with lower education or income or lower-status occupations, for example, are more likely to have worse health outcomes than those who are more socially advantaged.”¹

Additionally, the NASEM report confirms there is an even higher rate of vulnerability with elderly who are a part of minority groups such as immigrants or gays and lesbians. First-generation immigrants may have additional factors causing stress stressors that may increase their social isolation, such as language separation, cultural differences, family interactions, and community relationships that are weak or nonexistent, the report concludes. Similarly, LGBT groups have more chance of being lonely than their heterosexual counterparts because of stigmatization, discrimination, and stereotypes. ²

Health Care System Interventions Are Essential

People are social creatures by nature, and strong social relationships can support them in living healthier lives. Health care systems are a critical, yet under-utilized team that can help identify loneliness and prevent future medical issues associated with social isolation. “Seniors with low social support, a lack of social networks and low levels of social engagement as well as those who are socially isolated are also less likely to be in good health. What’s more, seniors can be particularly vulnerable to hazards in the built and natural physical environment.”¹

Almost all seniors use the healthcare system in some capacity. For those with few social contacts, a visit to the clinic or from a Personal Support Worker (PSW) may be one of the few in-person contacts they may have. This represents a special chance to identify those at risk of becoming lonely or socially isolated. Regular assessments can help identify those with a higher chance of isolation and link them with help-professional Home Care support. However, every patient is unique and must make their own decisions when it comes to Home Care. Some elderly people may be hesitant to change or reluctant to make new connections. Therefore patience, caring, and kindness should always be the priority. It is also key to point out that “social isolation” and “feeling lonely” are not necessarily linked together, yet both can lead to health concerns. ³

The Arcavia Home Care Advantage

Arcavia Home Care works with all types of organizations that serve and cater to our elderly population. This includes hospitals, rehabilitation centers, local clinics, pharmacies, geriatric centers, and a host of other companies, programs providers, and service deliverers, to ensure no one is left unserved. We recognize the growing need for elderly immigrant homecare and for temporary quality staff support for our partnering facilities. At Arcavia Home Care our primary goal is to extend the quality of life of our patients. We extend the quality of life of every patient by supplying tailored programs that ensure our patients receive the best level of care at the most affordable rates.

To learn more about our programs or to become a partner organization contact: Samuel Assaad Manager – Business Development & Marketing

References

1 Government of Canada, Public Health, 2020. Aging and chronic diseases: A profile of Canadian seniors. Toronto, Ontario: Canada.ca:https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/aging-chronic-diseases-profile-canadian-seniors-report.html

2 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2020. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25663/social-isolation-and-loneliness-in-older-adults-opportunities-for-the

3 Centre for Disease Control, Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging. 2021. Loneliness and Social Isolation Linked to Serious Health Conditions. https://www.cdc.gov/. https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/lonely-older-adults.html