Management for older adults experiencing loneliness and heart failure

This article explores the clinical management of older adults with multimorbidity, specifically focusing on the interconnection between heart failure and loneliness. Current condition-specific guidelines can be difficult to implement for vulnerable older populations. The bidirectional relationship between physical and mental health means loneliness can exacerbate heart failure symptoms while chronic conditions can increase social isolation. This article provides comprehensive guidance for general dental practitioners treating these patients, addressing key considerations across multiple domains, including communication strategies, ensuring cooperation, medical status and capacity assessment. Prevention strategies must address medication side effects and recognize how social isolation impacts oral hygiene motivation. Effective management requires a holistic, patient-centred approach that addresses both clinical and psychosocial factors through flexible strategies and use of the dental team's skill mix to improve overall health outcomes for this potentially vulnerable population. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Older adults with heart failure and loneliness require dentists to consider medical and psychosocial factors to optimize care.