Risk for Loneliness is a nursing diagnosis that addresses patients at increased risk of experiencing discomfort associated with a self-perceived lack of contact with others. This condition can significantly impact physical and mental health outcomes, making early identification and intervention crucial for healthcare providers.
Causes (Related to)
Risk for Loneliness can develop due to various factors that affect a patient’s ability to maintain meaningful social connections:
- Physical isolation or living alone
- Recent relocation or immigration
- Loss of significant relationships through death or separation
- Chronic illness or disability
- Communication barriers
- Social factors such as:
- Limited transportation access
- Financial constraints
- Cultural differences
- Language barriers
- Social anxiety
- Health-related factors including:
- Sensory deficits
- Mobility limitations
- Cognitive impairment
- Mental health conditions
- Physical disfigurement
Signs and Symptoms (As evidenced by)
Since this is a risk diagnosis, the patient may not currently show symptoms but displays risk factors that could lead to loneliness.
Subjective: (Patient reports)
- Feelings of disconnection
- The desire for more social contact
- Missing family or friends
- Difficulty making new connections
- Feeling misunderstood
- Fear of rejection
- Lack of meaningful relationships
Objective: (Nurse assesses)
- Limited social network
- Infrequent visitors
- Minimal participation in activities
- Poor eye contact
- Withdrawn behavior
- Limited verbal communication
- Physical isolation
Expected Outcomes
The following outcomes indicate successful prevention of loneliness:
- The patient will develop new social connections
- The patient will engage in meaningful social activities
- The patient will report decreased feelings of isolation
- The patient will demonstrate improved communication skills
- The patient will utilize available support systems
- The patient will maintain existing relationships
- The patient will participate in community activities
Nursing Assessment
Evaluate Social Support System
- Assess current relationships
- Document the frequency of visits
- Review support network quality
- Evaluate communication patterns
- Note cultural factors
Assess Risk Factors
- Review living situation
- Check mobility status
- Evaluate communication abilities
- Assess cognitive function
- Document sensory deficits
Monitor Psychological Status
- Assess mood
- Check for depression signs
- Evaluate anxiety levels
- Document coping mechanisms
- Note behavioral changes
Evaluate Activities
- Review daily routines
- Assess activity participation
- Check interests and hobbies
- Document barriers to participation
- Note preferred social activities
Check Resources
- Assess transportation access
- Review financial resources
- Evaluate technology access
- Check community resources
- Document support services
Nursing Care Plans
Nursing Care Plan 1: Social Isolation Risk
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Social Isolation related to physical limitations and recent relocation as evidenced by verbalized feelings of loneliness and limited social contacts.
Related Factors:
- Physical mobility limitations
- Unfamiliarity with the new environment
- Language barriers
- Limited transportation access
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Assess current social network and support systems
Rationale: Identifies existing resources and areas needing enhancement - Connect patient with community resources and support groups
Rationale: Facilitates new social connections and support networks - Encourage participation in group activities
Rationale: Promotes social interaction and relationship-building
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will establish new social connections within 30 days
- The patient will participate in at least two group activities weekly
- The patient will report decreased feelings of isolation
Nursing Care Plan 2: Communication Enhancement
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Impaired Social Interaction related to communication barriers as evidenced by difficulty expressing needs and limited social engagement.
Related Factors:
- Language differences
- Cultural barriers
- Hearing impairment
- Social anxiety
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Facilitate access to translation services or assistive devices
Rationale: Improves communication effectiveness - Provide cultural competency support
Rationale: Enhances understanding and cultural connection - Teach communication enhancement strategies
Rationale: Builds confidence in social interactions
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will demonstrate improved communication skills.
- The patient will express needs effectively
- The patient will engage in meaningful conversations daily
Nursing Care Plan 3: Activity Engagement
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Activity Intolerance related to physical limitations and social withdrawal as evidenced by decreased participation in group activities.
Related Factors:
- Physical limitations
- Lack of motivation
- Fear of rejection
- Limited energy
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Develop an individualized activity plan
Rationale: Matches activities to patient capabilities and interests - Facilitate gradual activity progression
Rationale: Builds confidence and endurance - Monitor response to activities
Rationale: Ensures appropriate activity level and prevents exhaustion
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will participate in planned activities regularly
- The patient will report increased satisfaction with activity level
- The patient will demonstrate improved social engagement
Nursing Care Plan 4: Support System Enhancement
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Compromised Family Coping related to geographical distance and limited resources as evidenced by infrequent family contact.
Related Factors:
- Geographic separation
- Financial constraints
- Time limitations
- Technology barriers
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Facilitate virtual communication methods
Rationale: Maintains family connections despite the distance - Connect with family support services
Rationale: Provides additional resources for family engagement - Teach technology use for communication
Rationale: Enhances ability to maintain long-distance relationships
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will maintain regular family contact
- The patient will utilize technology for communication effectively
- The patient will report improved family connections
Nursing Care Plan 5: Community Integration
Nursing Diagnosis Statement:
Risk for Spiritual Distress related to social disconnection as evidenced by expressed feelings of meaninglessness and limited community involvement.
Related Factors:
- Cultural displacement
- Loss of social roles
- Spiritual isolation
- Limited community access
Nursing Interventions and Rationales:
- Connect with cultural/spiritual communities
Rationale: Provides meaningful social and spiritual connections - Facilitate transportation to community events
Rationale: Enables participation in community activities - Encourage volunteer opportunities
Rationale: Promotes a sense of purpose and community connection
Desired Outcomes:
- The patient will participate in community activities regularly
- The patient will report an increased sense of belonging
- The patient will demonstrate improved spiritual well-being
References
- Ackley, B. J., Ladwig, G. B., Makic, M. B., Martinez-Kratz, M. R., & Zanotti, M. (2023). Nursing diagnoses handbook: An evidence-based guide to planning care. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
- Harding, M. M., Kwong, J., & Hagler, D. (2022). Lewis’s Medical-Surgical Nursing: Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems, Single Volume. Elsevier.
- Herdman, T. H., Kamitsuru, S., & Lopes, C. (2024). NANDA International Nursing Diagnoses – Definitions and Classification, 2024-2026.
- Ignatavicius, D. D., Rebar, C., & Heimgartner, N. M. (2023). Medical-Surgical Nursing: Concepts for Clinical Judgment and Collaborative Care. Elsevier.
- Mehrabi, F., & Béland, F. (2020). Effects of social isolation, loneliness and frailty on health outcomes and their possible mediators and moderators in community-dwelling older adults: A scoping review. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 90, 104119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archger.2020.104119
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Sciences; Board on Health Sciences Policy; Committee on the Health and Medical Dimensions of Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults: Opportunities for the Health Care System. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2020 Feb 27. 2, Evaluating the Evidence for the Impacts of Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Other Aspects of Social Connection on Mortality. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557977/
- Reinhardt GY, Vidovic D, Hammerton C. Understanding loneliness: a systematic review of the impact of social prescribing initiatives on loneliness. Perspect Public Health. 2021 Jul;141(4):204-213. doi: 10.1177/1757913920967040. Epub 2021 Jun 23. PMID: 34159848; PMCID: PMC8295963.
- Silvestri, L. A. (2023). Saunders comprehensive review for the NCLEX-RN examination. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.
