Social isolation and telecommunication in the nursing home: A pilot study

Objectives: Conduct an exploratory study to determine the degree of isolation and depression levels among rural nursing home residents, their perception of communication with family members who live too far away to visit regularly, and the interest and perception of telecommunication through webcams. In addition, the willingness among friends and family to finance all or part of telecommunication devices used on their end was studied. Design: Potential participants were identified through chart reviews conducted by a trained graduate assistant (GA). The GA obtained signed consents and then administered the survey instruments. The nursing home residents were asked for the names and addresses of family members living at least 97 kilometers from the facility. We sent letters explaining the study along with a consent form and the study instruments. Setting: 3 rural nursing homes Participants: 33 nursing home residents age ＞65 years and 16 friends and family members. Measurements: The following tools were used: (i) Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS); (ii) Minimum Data Set (MDS) 2.0 from the nursing home for assessment of social engagement, cognitive and physical function, ADLs, and health care needs; (iii) Perception survey of nursing home residents; and (iv) Family and friends survey. Results: Sixteen (49%) nursing home residents were dissatisfied with their current level of communication with friends and family. Twenty-seven nursing home residents (82%) stated that they were interested in trying webcams as did 13 friends and family members. The GDS identified 15 (46%) residents and the MDS 13 (41%) with mild or severe depression. Data from the MDS suggest loneliness and social isolation, especially when coupled with the high percentage of patients who go a week or more without visitors (58%) and the number of individuals who needed extensive support with activities of daily living (58%) or were totally dependent (15%). No relation was found between wishing to use a webcam to communicate with far-away family or friends, and parameters of the nursing home residents. Conclusion This study identified a need for better or more contact and willingness on the part of both the residents and their family and friends to try and enhance communication with telecommunication devices.