How can you measure Social isolation its indicators?

Harnett Basket of Social Isolation Indicators

Description and disclaimer

The indicators in the Harnett basket of social isolation are used at service level for the front line staff to understand their patient and their social circumstances.

It is not a questionnaire and should be used as a way of noting what the patient has disclosed rather than a list of questions.

This is not a population based measure of social isolation or loneliness, the indicators are not weighted and it would be inappropriate to use these indicators for rigorous research.

Indicators are completed by a health professional and subject to individual bias.

It is entirely appropriate to use these indicators to demonstrate how the service functions. Internal monitoring can influence service design and delivery.

Note: no confidents means no-one to confide in. No confidence means low self esteem.

No.

Indicator

Recently discharged from hospital

Fear of falling

Recent diagnosis of terminal illness

Mental health concerns/taking prescribed anti depressants

New to the area

Living alone

Little or no contact with family members

No confidents

No phone or unreliable telephone service

No visitors to the home

Little or no contact with neighbours

Someone to lean on in times of trouble

No goals (in any area of life)

Recent diagnosis of terminal illness

Mental health concerns/taking prescribed anti depressants

Recently divorced/break up of long term relationship

Literacy issues

Addiction to internet

Recent victim of crime against the person

Recently bereaved

Clandestine migrant

First language not English or Welsh and no access to formal or informal translator

Disability (physical, sensory, learning)