Loneliness of residents in retirement homes during the COVID-19 crisis

M El Haj,K Gallouj

doi:10.1016/j.encep.2021.05.001

Abstract

In their effort to prevent the spread of infections, retirement homes have been forced to limit physical interaction between residents and the outside world and to drastically reduce their residents’ activities, decisions which are likely to increase loneliness in residents. To investigate this issue, we evaluated loneliness in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) living in retirement homes in France during the COVID-19 crisis. The study included 63 participants with mild AD. Participants were invited to complete the following statement “During the social distancing, I feel” with one of the three options: not at all alone, somewhat alone, or very alone. Most of the participants answered “somewhat alone”, suggesting a significant level of loneliness during the crisis. While it serves to prevent infections, social distancing in retirement homes is likely to result in significant loneliness in residents. Because loneliness may increase cognitive decline in AD, it to pressing to prepare social programs/activities that promote contact between residents of retirement homes and the outside world as soon as the confinement is lifted.

Highlights

To cope with Covid-19 and limit its spread among residents, retirement homes in France have been obliged to prohibit physical contact between residents and families and friends and, in several cases, even between residents or between residents and caregivers. While they serve to prevent infections, these measures are forcing retirement homes to separate residents physically from the outside world and to drastically reduce their activities. Because these decisions are likely to come at a cost to residents and their wellbeing and mental health, we investigated whether social distancing increases loneliness in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) who live in retirement homes
A large body of research has demonstrated that loneliness and social isolation in normal aging may contribute to increased risk of dementia (Crooks, Lubben, Petitti, Little, & Chiu, 2008; Saczynski et al, 2006; Stoykova, Matharan, Dartigues, & Amieva, 2011)
We evaluated loneliness in patients with AD living in retirement homes in France during the Covid-19 crisis

Summary

Introduction

To cope with Covid-19 and limit its spread among residents, retirement homes in France have been obliged to prohibit physical contact between residents and families and friends and, in several cases, even between residents or between residents and caregivers While they serve to prevent infections, these measures are forcing retirement homes to separate residents physically from the outside world and to drastically reduce their activities. Loneliness, as associated with social isolation, can be a risk factor for dementia (Penninkilampi, Casey, Singh, & Brodaty, 2018). A large body of research has demonstrated that loneliness and social isolation in normal aging may contribute to increased risk of dementia (Crooks, Lubben, Petitti, Little, & Chiu, 2008; Saczynski et al, 2006; Stoykova, Matharan, Dartigues, & Amieva, 2011). Having an extended social network, high frequency of contacts, and adequate social support can be protective factors against the risk of dementia (Penninkilampi et al, 2018)

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