FACTORS AFFECTING THE LEVEL OF LONELINESS AMONG ELDERLY RECEIVING HOME CARE SERVICES

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to identify and understand the factors contributing to loneliness among individuals aged 65 and above receiving home care services. Methods: This research adopted a cross-sectional descriptive design to investigate the factors influencing loneliness in the elderly population. The study's population comprised individuals aged 65 and above receiving home care services from a municipality in Istanbul. The sample, determined through the convenience sampling method, consisted of 285 older participants who volunteered to take part in the study and were actively receiving home care. Data were collected using three main instruments: The Personal Information Form, The Loneliness Scale for the Elderly, and The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Results: The loneliness level among single elderly individuals was significantly higher than that of their married counterparts, with being single explaining 33% of the variation in loneliness (R² = 33). The engagement in social activities emerged as a crucial factor, as the loneliness levels of socially active elderly individuals were notably lower, contributing to 25% of the variation in loneliness (R² = 25). The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale revealed that as the self-esteem of older adults increased, their loneliness levels decreased, explaining 26% of the variation (R² = 26). Marital status, social activity, and self-esteem variables collectively explained 23% of the variation in the level of loneliness. Conclusion: The study's key findings indicate that the level of self-esteem among elderly individuals receiving home care services was moderate. Additionally, single elderly individuals experienced higher levels of loneliness compared to their married counterparts. Socially active older adults exhibited lower loneliness levels, and increased self-esteem corresponded to decreased loneliness. Notably, variables such as age, gender, educational status, and the presence of chronic diseases showed no significant impact on the level of loneliness among the elderly.