Social Isolation: Levels of Response for Nurse Practitioners

Abstract

Although social isolation occurs across the lifespan, this article focuses on the unique challenges faced by the older adult population. Older adults are particularly sensitive to the health risks of social isolation. High-risk groups within the older adult population are minorities, immigrants, LGBTQ+, and victims of elder abuse. Nurse practitioners have the education and are poised to assess and intervene appropriately on social isolation at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of care. This article provides evidence-based assessment tools and resources for the nurse practitioner to use in clinical practice.