Older Adults Without Care Partners: A Scoping Review
Author Information
Author(s): Jones-Cobb Brittany, Lee Chaejeong
Primary Institution: University of Washington
Hypothesis
What are the risks and vulnerabilities faced by older adults without care partners?
Conclusion
Older adults without care partners face significant risks, including social isolation and worse health outcomes, with no rigorously studied interventions currently available for them.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults without care partners are at risk for social isolation and impaired self-care.
- They face delays and exclusions from medical treatment and worse medication adherence.
- Negative outcomes include increased likelihood of hospital and nursing home admission, and death by suicide.
- No rigorously studied interventions are currently published that specifically target this population.
Takeaway
Many older people are living alone without family or friends to help them, which can lead to serious health problems, and we need to find better ways to support them.
Methodology
A scoping review was conducted using Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and PRISMA-ScR protocol across nine databases.
Limitations
Very few studies specifically focused on older adults without care partners, indicating a lack of understanding of their unique needs.
Participant Demographics
Older adults without care partners.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website