loneliness

Resilience and wellbeing in people living with dementia in relation to perceived attitudes in their communities

This is a paper produced as part of the PROP2 (Practitioner Research: Outcomes and Partnership) programme, a partnership between the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships (CRFR) at the University of Edinburgh and Iriss that was about health and social care in Scotland.

This paper was written by Geraldine Ditta from Alzheimer Scotland who participated in the PROP2 programme.

Extending the housing options for older people: focus on extra care (IRISS Insights, No 26)

Evidence review that seeks to explore the evidence base in respect of housing with care and support, in particular extra care provision, and the extent to which the range of models embraced by this term provide an effective alternative to residential and nursing care.

The aim is to offer a greater range of housing options for older people and to promote a continuum of provision between home and care home.

Preventing loneliness and social isolation in older people (IRISS Insights, No 25)

Prevention has been identified as a key aspect of Scottish public service reform. In response to the findings of the Christie Commission (2011), the Scottish Government has called for a 'decisive shift towards prevention'.

This Insight looks specifically at the prevention of isolation and loneliness amongst older people, with a particular focus on what practitioners in the fields of health and social care should bear in mind when working to tackle this important and growing issue.

At a glance 60: preventing loneliness and social isolation among older people

This At a glance briefing explains the importance of tackling social isolation and loneliness, particularly among older people. It highlights the adverse effects of feeling isolated and describes a number of services that have been found to help reduce the problem. The briefing is based on SCIE’s review of research evidence, published in Research briefing 39: preventing loneliness and social isolation: interventions and outcomes.

Loneliness compendium: examples from research and practice

Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT)'s action research programme 'Neighbourhood Approaches to Loneliness' looks at how a neighbourhood as a whole can support those who live with loneliness. This paper defines loneliness; explores how lonely people can be identified and engaged and outlines research and projects that could inform the Approaches to Loneliness programme.

The lonely society?

Although many people experience loneliness at one time or another, it is often overlooked or dismissed. Because society prides itself on self-reliance, loneliness might carry a stigma for people who admit to it. This is both paradoxical and pernicious: if loneliness is transient, it is simply accepted as part of life, but there is a deep dread of being lonely for the long haul.