People with aphasia living alone: A scoping review

BackgroundMany elements associated with aphasia, its assessment and treatment, and its effects on individuals living with this disorder have been examined. However, the implications for people with aphasia of living alone has not been a focus. Factors such as living alone, ageing, aphasia, gender, depression (and suicide), comorbid physical impairments and mortality converge and intersect with each other to have a profound effect on those individuals with aphasia who live alone.AimsThis study aimed to explore the research relating to people with aphasia living alone (PWALA), as well as to identify knowledge gaps and the key characteristics related to this topic.Methods and proceduresThe PRISMA scoping review methodology was selected to search the current literature. Online databases (Google Scholar and five electronic journal databases) were used to identify relevant papers, predominantly published since the year 2000. From 1201 papers initially identified, 115 relating to the topic were imported into NVivo Qualitative Research Software and analysed into themes.Outcomes and resultsFrom the 74 papers directly relating to the topic, seven themes emerged: emotional status, communication, identity, independence, family relationships, friends/visitors and daily activities. It was unclear how the experiences of PWALA compared to those not living alone from these papers as the information provided mainly reflected the studies' research questions, not specifically the fact that the person concerned was living alone. There is an obvious and urgent need to investigate the lived experience of PWALA. However, two key areas require immediate attention. PWALA require early and ongoing assessment, monitoring and intervention for depression, and also the implementation of strategies and programs to decrease loneliness and social isolation.ConclusionsThis scoping review relating to PWALA revealed that insufficient attention has been paid to the specific issues and implications of aphasia for this sub-population. An urgent investigation of a diverse sample of PWALA using in-depth supportive interviewing techniques is needed to explore the personal experiences and perceptions of living alone. Based on this, strategies and programs can be developed or adapted to address and ameliorate the specific exigencies of PWALA.