Feedback Survey: CCSMH’s Clinical Guidelines on Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults

Assessing the Early Impact on Clinical Practice

When the Canadian Coalition for Seniors’ Mental Health (CCSMH) introduced the world’s first clinical guidelines on addressing social isolation and loneliness among older adults in February 2024, the goal was clear: to provide healthcare and social service professionals (HCSSPs) with evidence-based tools to recognize, assess, and address these growing concerns. But after six months, CCSMH wanted to know—were the guidelines making a difference?

To find out, CCSMH conducted a national feedback survey, reaching out to HCSSPs from October to December of 2024, to understand how they engaged with the guidelines, whether they found them useful, and if they influenced their professional practice. The responses painted a compelling picture of progress, challenges, and areas for further action.

A New Lens on Social Isolation and Loneliness

One of the most striking survey findings was the way the guidelines reshaped understanding of social isolation and loneliness. Many providers reported that the guidelines helped them recognize these as separate but interconnected challenges. Previously, loneliness was often seen as an inevitable consequence of social isolation overlooking the fact that individuals can experience loneliness even when socially engaged or conversely that those who are alone may not experience loneliness. The survey clearly illustrated that there is still work to be done in combating misconceptions around social isolation and loneliness as concepts. Ultimately understanding the distinction between the two will help foster more thoughtful assessment approaches and encourage HCSSPs to engage in direct conversations with patients about their experiences.

The guidelines also reinforced how deeply social isolation and loneliness affect health. Respondents noted a greater awareness of their links to cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease, and frailty. While many appreciated this insight, some called for even more information on the biological and psychological mechanisms behind these connections, suggesting that further education in this area could enhance clinical practice.

Turning Awareness into Action

With heightened awareness came increased efforts to screen for social isolation and loneliness. Many respondents reported integrating screening questions into their patient evaluations—an important shift, as formal assessments for these issues have often been overlooked in the past. However, screening alone is not enough; providers need ways to help patients who are struggling.

Enter social prescribing. The survey found that HCSSPs were making increased efforts to connect patients to community-based programs and peer-support networks in addition to the diverse array of other interventions highlighted within the guidelines including Physical Activity, Psychological and Animal-Assisted Therapies, Animal Ownership and Technology to name a few. However, respondents also highlighted significant challenges in implementing these practices, especially in rural areas where transportation, financial constraints, and limited programming made referrals difficult. The enthusiasm for social prescribing is there, but providers indicated a need for stronger and more comprehensive infrastructure to support it.

A Validation of Efforts and a Call for More Support

For many respondents, the guidelines validated work they had already been doing. Having evidence-based recommendations gave them more confidence in advocating for non-pharmacological interventions and promoting social engagement as an essential part of care. Some providers even incorporated the guidelines into their training programs, educational materials, and patient discussions, spreading the knowledge even further.

Yet, systemic barriers remain. Many providers pointed to gaps in healthcare and social services that make it difficult to connect older adults with the resources they need. Limited community programs, staffing shortages in long-term care, and a lack of awareness about existing support systems all contribute to the challenge. Additionally, digital accessibility issues mean that not all older adults can easily access online resources, reinforcing the need for print materials and personalized approaches.

What Comes Next?

The feedback from this survey is providing a clear roadmap for CCSMH’s next steps:

  • Continue emphasizing the distinction between social isolation and loneliness in training materials and outreach efforts.
  • Strengthen educational content with more scientific evidence on how loneliness affects health.
  • Develop practical tools to help providers implement screening and intervention strategies more effectively.
  • Advocate for increased funding and policy support to expand social prescribing and community-based programs.
  • Foster interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure a well-coordinated approach to tackling social isolation and loneliness in older adults.

Moving Forward Together

The findings from this survey reaffirm the importance of CCSMH’s clinical guidelines in raising awareness and influencing practice. While progress is evident, there is still work to be done to bridge systemic gaps and ensure HCSSPs and older adults together receive the support they need towards improving clinical outcomes and fostering reciprocal confidence, competence and trust.

As CCSMH moves forward, the commitment remains strong: to provide HCSSPs and older adults with the tools, resources, and advocacy support needed to address social isolation and loneliness. The conversation is growing, and with continued collaboration, meaningful change is within reach.

For more information on the guidelines and CCSMH’s ongoing initiatives, visit CCSMH’s website. If you are using the guidelines in your work, we want to hear from you! Access the guidelines feedback survey here or scan the QR below, and help us continue to advance dialogue and action on social isolation and loneliness among older adults!