Abstract:

The subject of this study is social isolation as experienced by individuals living in nursing homes. Old age is not a physiological change that is only limitable to age. It is a whole with physical, psychological, and social aspects. Retreating from social life as something that occurs naturally with aging is a common thought. Therefore, social isolation for the elderly and aged has not received sufficient attention in the literature. Countries like Turkey believe social solidarity has improved and the traditional functions of the family are preserved. Therefore, the assumption that isolation does not occur among the aged has also reduced interest in the subject. However, these thoughts need to be questioned through scientific research. Nursing homes aim to protect and care for older people. They are expected to function as social control mechanisms that prevent social isolation. This study purposes to reveal the role nursing homes have in the social isolation experiences of older adults. The research has been designed with respect to the phenomenological method, a qualitative research method. The research data were obtained from in-depth interviews held with 21 participants. The research results are expected to contribute to practices aimed at increasing nursing home residents’ integration with society.

Keywords: