Studies report that 61% of residents living in long-term care facilities (LTCs) experience “moderate loneliness” and 35% “severe loneliness” (Gardiner et al., 2020). However, many of the studies that measure loneliness in LTCs use standardized loneliness scales that do not discriminate between the feelings of loneliness in community and in an LTC context. 

The transition to LTC brings about dramatic changes in family- and social life, as well as feelings of being uprooted from one’s home (Börjesson & Torgé 2021). There are also unique risks for social isolation in LTCs, despite ‘round the clock care (Boamah et al., 2021).  

The aim of this scoping review is to map available research regarding loneliness and social isolation in LTCs, from the older adults’ perspectives. edge regarding older adults’ experiences of loneliness and social isolation in LTCs. How do older residents describe their experience of loneliness and social isolation?  

Databases within medical fields and social science were used to look for research from 2013-2023 that contain qualitative data of experiences of older adults residing in LTCs in any geographic location. This review includes texts on older adults’ (mean ≥ 60) experiences of loneliness in long-term care facilities (excluding ordinary housing). Articles that evaluate interventions without exploring older residents’ views through qualitative methods will be excluded.  Results are presented thematically, and knowledge gaps identified.