As we get older, we inevitably loose loved ones and if we do not actively work to broaden our social circles, this process can lead to loneliness. Simply being aware of the fact that the hurt we feel from being lonely is hazardous in itself is important.  This awareness can help to prevent us from damaging our remaining relationships and encourage us to form new ones.  

A recent study at the University of Chicago led by psychologist John Cacioppo addressed this issue.  He was quoted in an article as having said, "We detected an extraordinary pattern of contagion that leads people to be moved to the edge of the social network when they become lonely.”  Basically, the study observed patterns of distrust and other anti-social behavior that systematically repelled others from the lonely person.  We have all met individuals who cling too tightly to new friends making it uncomfortable to be around them.  In addition, this study found that loneliness can increase the risk of several health problems that can shorten our lives.  It is therefore important to recognize loneliness and actively work to provide a remedy.  

Here at Summer Breeze Haven, we feel that our smaller scale personalized approach to elderly care places us in an excellent position to combat loneliness.  The low patient to staff ratio creates a more personal connection between our residents and their caregivers while maintaining the professionalism that ensures a quality and precision in the care that is vital to their health and well-being.  We also take our residents to social events regularly to enable them to extend their social circles.  

For more information about this issue, you can view the official academic Journal Article that published the findings of the University of Chicago study mentioned earlier.