Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice

Major

Nursing

Date of Defense

7-15-2025

Graduate Advisor

Brittania Phillips, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C

Committee

Sheila Grigsby, PhD, RN, MPH, APHN-BC

Melissia Robinson, MA

Abstract

Implementation of Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Weekly Visits to Reduce Loneliness in Older Adults

Abstract:

Problem: Social isolation and loneliness have emerged as a significant public health issue for the older adult population. Loneliness has been linked to both physical and mental health effects. According to current literature, there is no standard intervention to treat loneliness in the older adult population.

Methods: This quality improvement (QI) project utilized a descriptive cohort design and the Visit-A-Bit screening assessment instrument. Undergraduate nursing students implemented mindfulness interventions during weekly visits over an eight-week period at an independent living facility located in the Midwest. Descriptive statistics were used for the demographic data and the pre- and post-intervention Visit-A-Bit screening assessment instrument data. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyze changes in the Visit-A-Bit screening assessment instrument pre- and post-intervention.

Results: A total of seven participants completed the intervention. Findings demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in loneliness frequency and a statistically significant increase in quality of life. No statistically significant differences were observed in the PHQ-2, LSNS-6, or DJGLS.

Implications for Practice: Implementing weekly befriending visits and mindfulness interventions can help increase social interaction and decrease the frequency of loneliness. The results of this project can encourage other facilities with a similar population of residents to implement or develop a similar program.

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