What it means
A lack of social contact, which may or may not feel lonely to the person. It is common in older adults who live alone, people with hearing or mobility problems, and people with long-term illness. It raises the risk of depression, heart disease and dementia. Being placed in isolation precautions in hospital can also leave a client feeling cut off.
For the nurse
Ask about contact with others, and connect clients with family, community groups, senior centers or phone and video calls. For clients in isolation precautions, visit regularly, explain why the precautions are needed and help them stay in touch.
Related terms
isolation
Keeping a client apart from others to stop an infection spreading or to protect them from infection; also, being alone without social contact.
major depressive disorder
A mental illness in which a person has a low mood or loses interest in almost everything for at least two weeks.
social support
The help and comfort a person gets from family, friends, community and groups.