Dying of loneliness a real concern for families with loved ones in long-term care

by Kevin Doran

 

Can a person really die of loneliness? Yes, they can, according to KSTP Medical Expert Dr. Archelle Georgiou.

"Absolutely, it's toxic and is as dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day," Dr. Georgiou said.

Dr. Georgiou said families worried their loved ones in assisted living or nursing homes will die of loneliness over the winter have a real concern. And, she welcomes the news that the state of Minnesota is easing visitor restrictions starting Saturday, Oct. 17.

FILE - In this July 17, 2020 file photo, a senior citizen holds the hand of a care coordinator at a Health facility in Miami. One in five U.S. nursing homes say they still faced severe shortages of protective gear like N95 masks this summer, according to a study Thursday that also found facilities struggled with a lack of staff as COVID-19 cases rebounded.

"I am so thrilled we're balancing the risks and benefits of keeping people in nursing homes and the elderly isolated," said Dr. Georgiou. "It's just been so difficult for everyone. People just want to be together."

To learn more about what happens inside our bodies when we're lonely that can make us sick, click on the video box above.

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Dying of loneliness a real concern for families with loved ones in long-term care