CONSEQUENCES OF SOCIAL ISOLATION ON ELDERS WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IN CARE FACILITIES: A COMPARATIVE LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Alzheimer’s Disease is a widespread and devastating diagnosis for which there is no cure. Utilization of care facilities is an option for patients with advanced stages, yet isolation due to contagious diseases within these facilities can be devastating for their psychological, cognitive, social, and physical health. Performing a comparative literature review, this paper looks at the psychological effects of COVID-19 isolation on young adults, older adults in care facilities, and on patients with Alzheimer’s Disease in care facilities. Preliminary results for younger and older adults indicate a significant array of negative effects caused by isolation. There is very sparce literature regarding the effects of social isolation on elders with Alzheimer’s Disease in care facilities, however. This thesis goes on to perform interviews with staff of care facilities to gain inside opinion into what can be done to minimize the negative psychological effects. Finally, an informational brochure is created with suggestions for isolation improvement from both the literature and from the staff of care facilities. There is a tremendous amount of research to be done in long-term care for individuals who have Alzheimer’s Disease.