The role of context and the interpersonal experience of loneliness among older people in a residential care facility

Abstract

Older people are more prone to experience loneliness when living in residential care facilities. The purpose of this study was to explore older people's experiences of loneliness in the context of institutionalized care. A voluntary and convenience-based sample of 10 white South African older people (age range 62 to 82 years; three men and seven women) was drawn. Data on the subjective experience of loneliness were then gathered through the Mmogo-method®, whereby drawings were employed to explore matters and issues of importance in the lives of older people that could be used to deal with loneliness. Data were analyzed thematically and visually as well as through the use of keywords in context. The results showed that older people experienced loneliness in terms of having unavailable interactions due to loss, and an absence of meaningful interpersonal interactions. Meaningful interpersonal interactions were described as when the older people had regular contact and a variety of interactions. Ineffective interpersonal styles (e.g. taking a controlling position in relationships and being rigid) elicited rejection and isolation, and were associated with a lack of confirmatory interpersonal relationships. It is recommended that greater emphasis should be placed on creating awareness of unhealthy group dynamics as well as on psychosocial interventions to develop group support. Interpersonal styles, either effective or ineffective, take place in a social context, which, in this research, was observed to be unsafe, lacking in care, and a non-stimulating environment.

Engagement of a Person with Dementia Scale: Establishing content validity and psychometric properties

“…Dementia results in a progressive deterioration of mental and physical functioning and a gradual decline in the ability to communicate. For people with dementia living in long‐term aged care, the majority of their time is often spent alone, doing little and with little opportunity for engagement and, in particular, in meaningful activity (Moyle et al., ; Roos & Malan, ; Von Kutzleben, Schmid, Halek, Holle, & Bartholomeyczik, ). Residing in an environment that may limit social connection can lead to feelings of loneliness (Roos & Malan, ).…”

“…For people with dementia living in long‐term aged care, the majority of their time is often spent alone, doing little and with little opportunity for engagement and, in particular, in meaningful activity (Moyle et al., ; Roos & Malan, ; Von Kutzleben, Schmid, Halek, Holle, & Bartholomeyczik, ). Residing in an environment that may limit social connection can lead to feelings of loneliness (Roos & Malan, ). Consequently, feeling lonely and being socially isolated (Moyle, Kellett, Ballantyne, & Gracia, ), and cognitive decline, can increase alongside limited stimulation (Ray & Davidson, ).…”

“…. Residing in an environment that may limit social connection can lead to feelings of loneliness (Roos & Malan, 2012).…”

Spiritual reminiscence therapy for older people with loneliness, anxiety and depression living in a residential aged care facility, Malaysia: The effectiveness and older people’s experiences

“…These feelings can last up to four years after admission to LTC (Nay, 1995). Other problems identified by older adults when relocating to LTC include difficulty in establishing meaningful interpersonal relationships with other residents and staff (Hutchinson, Hersch, Davidson, Chu, & Mastel-Smith, 2011;Lee, 2001;Roos & Malan, 2012), loss of identity and purpose in life (Saunders & Heliker, 2008) , sadness and boredom (Fraher & Coffey, 2011) and lack of social support (Keister, 2006).…”

“…Group reminiscence therapy usually comprises six to ten participants in each therapy session to enhance group dynamics, whereas individual reminiscence therapy is conducted on a one to one basis (Chong, 2000). When comparing group reminiscence therapy to individual reminiscence therapy use in LTC, at least three authors preferred group reminiscence therapy since it encouraged social contact between the residents, enhanced communication skills, and established new relationships (Burnside & Haight, 1994;Roos & Malan, 2012;Zhou et al, 2012). Furthermore, a systematic review of reminiscence therapy for the treatment of depression established that the social role function of group reminiscence therapy was the defining factor that made it more effective than individual reminiscence therapy (Housden, 2009).…”