This systematic review of 16 articles assessed long-term care (LTC) community residents’ experiences of loneliness and the mechanisms underlying those experiences. Three themes emerged, leading to the development of a conceptual model of loneliness: relational and individual loneliness, perception and emotional distress, and the impact of context and cognitive processes. Perceptions of reduced social control and connections exacerbate loneliness. Developing supportive social environments within LTC communities was identified as a key factor in addressing resident loneliness general quality of life.
Resonances of Feeling Alone: A Systematic Review Unveiling Older Persons’ Loneliness and Its Mechanisms in Residential Care Facilities
This systematic review of 16 articles assessed long-term care (LTC) community residents' experiences of loneliness and the mechanisms underlying those experiences. Three themes emerged, leading to the development of a conceptual model of loneliness: relational and individual loneliness, perception and emotional distress, and the impact of context and cognitive processes. Perceptions of reduced social control and connections exacerbate loneliness. Developing supportive social environments within LTC communities was identified as a key factor in addressing resident loneliness general quality of life.
