Assessment of social isolation within a multicultural and multilingual independent living site for elderly

Research has shown that measures of social isolation-the number of social contacts and the amount of social engagement-are associated with poor health outcomes.  Linkage House, a federally funded Section 202 housing development in East Harlem, New York City, aims to help residents maintain independence while aging in place through on-site Social Work care coordination, recreation, educational and social programs.  Among its 84 residents, are 71% Hispanic, 10% African-American, 13% Chinese and 6% Caucasian, 62% female and 38% are male.  A 4-item survey referred to as the Social Integrative Tool (SIT) was developed to assess social cohesion among the residents.  The SIT was administered by the onsite social worker to all residents in English, Spanish and Mandarin.  The response rate was 61.5% .  Positive social cohesion was determined by responding Yes to the first three questions.  Among the respondents, 88% - 89% reported living in a close knit community with “neighbors helping neighbors,” and were at ease knocking on a neighbor’s door in case of emergency and attending Linkage House events.  Respondents lacking social cohesion were either, Caucasian and Hispanic males.  The SIT tool proved to be a good method to evaluate and measure social cohesion in a multicultural, multilingual independent living facility for elderly by helping to identify those who need targeted interventions to reduce social isolation.  Interventions to sustain and increase social engagement and decrease social isolation were designed and tailored to the multilingual and multicultural composition of the residents.