title: Social networks and links to isolation and loneliness among elderly HCBS clients.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to explore the network types of HCBS clients based on the structural characteristics of their social networks. We also examined how the network types were associated with social isolation, relationship quality and loneliness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty personal interviews were carried out with HCBS clients to assess the structure of their social networks as indicated by frequency of contact with children, friends, family and participation in religious and community organizations. Hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted to identify network types.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four network types were found including: family (n = 16), diverse (n = 8), restricted (n = 8) and religious (n = 7). Family members comprised almost half of participants' social networks, and friends comprised less than one-third. Clients embedded in family, diverse and religious networks had significantly more positive relationships than clients embedded in restricted networks. Clients embedded in restricted networks had significantly higher social isolation scores and were lonelier than clients in diverse and family networks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings suggest that HCBS clients' isolation and loneliness are linked to the types of social networks in which they are embedded. The findings also suggest that clients embedded in restricted networks are at high risk for negative outcomes.
authors: a Department of Psychology , Wichita State University , Psychology , Wichita , USA.
authors: Louis J
authors: LJ
authors: Medvene
authors: a Department of Psychology , Wichita State University , Psychology , Wichita , USA.
authors: Kari M
authors: KM
authors: Nilsen
authors: a Department of Psychology , Wichita State University , Psychology , Wichita , USA.
authors: Rachel
authors: R
authors: Smith
authors: a Department of Psychology , Wichita State University , Psychology , Wichita , USA.
authors: Samuel
authors: S
authors: Ofei-Dodoo
authors: a Department of Psychology , Wichita State University , Psychology , Wichita , USA.
authors: Anthony
authors: A
authors: DiLollo
authors: b Institute for Social Research , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , USA.
authors: Noah
authors: N
authors: Webster
authors: c Central Plains Area Agency on Aging , Wichita , USA.
authors: Annette
authors: A
authors: Graham
authors: c Central Plains Area Agency on Aging , Wichita , USA.
authors: Anita
authors: A
authors: Nance
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003155:Community Mental Health Centers; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006701:Home Nursing; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology*; D060756:Social Networking; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: quality of life/well-being; social support; types of services