Loneliness and Isolation

As the colder months and holiday season approaches, we at Commonwealth Care Alliance Massachusetts (CCA) would like to take a moment to acknowledge the seniors and others across the community who may be experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Experiences of loneliness and isolation have risen since the start of the pandemic and side effects manifest not only mentally, but physically. A recent study conducted by The Journal of Alzheimer’s Association found that feelings of loneliness have been linked to cognitive decline, depression, and heart disease. Further, about 58% of U.S. adults consider themselves lonely and adults with mental health issues are more than twice as likely to experience loneliness as those with strong mental health, according to data from a Morning Consult study.

Through our experience serving seniors via our CCA Senior Care Options (SCO) plan and our Medicare Value and Medicare Preferred MAPD plans, we understand that healthcare spans beyond medical attention and often requires having an integrated care team to provide proper support and companionship to address critically important social needs. Take it from Shirley, a CCA member since 2016, who deeply appreciates having a strong and trusting relationship with Dirce, her CCA health outreach worker.?To learn more about Shirley’s story and how CCA supports individuals living safely and independent in their communities, visit: https://www.commonwealthcarealliance.org/living-well-at-home/shirleys-story/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=organic-social&utm_campaign=blog&utm_content=member-stories