Consumer Voice and the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) have created a fact sheet outlining the consequences of loneliness and social isolation and providing tips to improve the social connectedness of long- term care residents. Twenty-five percent of Americans over 65 are considered socially isolated and forty-three percent describe themselves as feeling lonely. The problems are more severe for people in long-term care. The consequences of loneliness can manifest both medically and emotionally and can increase the risk of developing dementia by 50%. There are ways that loved ones, facilities, and the entire community can help combat isolation and loneliness in long term care. Learn more by visiting our fact sheet: The Value of Being Heard: Loneliness and Isolation in Long-Term Care.
Plus, listen to the recent podcast episode on the same topic.
