26 | Addressing loneliness in hospitalized older patients: an interventional study in a post-acute long-term care unit

C. Delli Gatti, M.G. Cupido, M. Leonardo, L. Marzano, M. Palermo, G. Ciociola, G. Serra | U.O. Lungodegenza Post-Acuzie Geriatrica Riabilitativa, Ospedale di Lagosanto, Azienda USL di Ferrara.

Introduction. This monocentric, non-profit, pre–post interventional study evaluates the impact of extended caregiver visiting hours in a Post-Acute Long-Term Care Unit (Lagosanto Hospital, AUSL of Ferrara) on loneliness burden in older patients.

Objectives. Primary endpoint: loneliness (UCLA Loneliness Scale-3 item). Secondary endpoints: incident delirium (Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5), depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale-15 item), disability (Activities of Daily Living ≥1 point), and discharge care setting.

Materials and Methods. Patients with Clinical Dementia Rating Scale ≥3 were excluded. Patients aged ≥65 years with a caregiver were included. Two cohorts (num. 35 each; mean age 81 years; 57% female; 66% primary education) were enrolled: “pre” cohort (3 months) caregiver access allowed 4 hours/day, “post” cohort (3 months) extended access to 10 hours/day.

Results. Adjusted linear regression (age, sex, education, home antidepressants, disability) showed a significant association between extended visiting hours and reduced UCLA-3 and GDS-15 scores. A reduction in delirium episodes was observed in the “post” cohort, but not statistically significant, likely due to limited sample size. No significant association for ADL was found, given the high prevalence of disability at discharge. Extended access was associated with discharge to non-home settings. It reflects greater disability in the “post” cohort, increased caregiver awareness of care needs, and limited community resources for home-based support.

Conclusions. Extending caregiver visiting hours is associated with reduced loneliness and depressive symptoms at discharge in the elderly. This intervention represents not only an organizational change but also a clinically relevant strategy to improve psychological well-being and overall outcomes. Promoting an integrated, person-centered approach that values relational care is essential in optimizing the management of hospitalized older persons.