A Strategy for Ameliorating Loneliness in Assisted Living Residents: A Prototype for an Intergenerational Internship and Aging Seminar Program for High School Students

Why is the incidence of depression in skilled nursing facilities so exceedingly high? Can we alter the destiny of those moving up the line, ready, but not willing, to take their place in institutionalized care? By re-tracing our steps along the path to the present we may be able to recognize how we can change our course and assure the maintenance of a positive quality of life among seniors in assisted living facilities (ALF) and skilled nursing facilities (SNF) in their last years of life. While the incidence of depression among the elderly living independently in the community is roughly that of other age groups, the incidence jumps up once an older individual has the need for professional assistance with the completion of activities of daily living (ADL). This transition period brings with it multiple risk factors for depression and with that, the considerable potential to cause illness and disease. Are we critically examining these risk factors and taking the needed steps to reduce the destructive influence these might have on our vulnerable and frail seniors? One such risk factor is loneliness. Loneliness is prevalent in assisted living facilities and loneliness can be and often is a precursor to depression. Can we, and if we can, how can we address this risk factor? If one is relocated to a new home, loses their daily routine, and their social network, it seems only logical that supporting this individual with the opportunity for other social outlets would likely be beneficial. There is much discussion about the value of intergenerational relationships in the literature and the likely benefits for those participating. Linking residents of an assisted living facility with high school students in a reciprocal relationship has the potential to improve the quality of life among seniors and to provide opportunities for unparalleled life experiences for high school students. In this project I proposed the development of a relationship model prototype between senior residents of an assisted living setting with students from a nearby high school in order to provide senior residents another avenue of social exchange, which may prevent or reduce the experience of loneliness. Within the process of this reciprocal exchange, students also receive benefits that may only be obtained in this uncommon and unique alliance.