International Journal of Clinical Case Reports, 2025, Vol.15, No.2, 68-78 http://medscipublisher.com/index.php/ijccr 70 among elderly individuals living alone. Research suggests that regular face-to-face social contact can mitigate the negative effects of loneliness, and non-face-to-face interactions (e.g., via phone and letters) also offer some protective benefits. Additionally, leisure activities effectively reduce the impact of living alone on mental health and help improve quality of life (Yoshida et al., 2021). Economic status also significantly impacts elderly mental health. Elderly individuals living alone with lower incomes often face a higher risk of depression and anxiety because financial pressures limit their access to necessary healthcare services and social participation opportunities. Physical health is another key factor; elderly individuals with poorer health are more prone to loneliness and depression, while better health is associated with improved mental health and higher life satisfaction (Choi, 2022). Moreover, living in a community with high social cohesion can help alleviate the psychological stress of living alone, thereby enhancing the mental health of the elderly (Honjo et al., 2018). 2.3 The importance of mental health interventions for elderly individuals Mental health interventions are essential for elderly individuals living alone. Interventions targeting this group primarily include psychological support, increased social activity, and provision of medical services. Research shows that regular mental health checks and social activities significantly reduce depression and anxiety symptoms in elderly individuals living alone, enhancing life satisfaction and mental health (Hsu, 2020). Mental health interventions also involve building social support networks by organizing community activities and social gatherings to increase social engagement, reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. Additionally, interventions should focus on the personalized needs of elderly individuals living alone. For elderly individuals facing financial difficulties, interventions should include economic support, such as community welfare and living allowances, to alleviate financial stress (Ko et al., 2019). For those with poor physical health, providing medical support and rehabilitation training helps improve physical health, thereby enhancing mental health. In summary, systematic mental health interventions are crucial for improving the quality of life of elderly individuals living alone, helping them cope with psychological issues such as loneliness and depression, and maintaining a positive mental and physical state and life satisfaction (Yi et al., 2021). 3 The Role of Community-Based Home Care for the Elderly 3.1 Definition and scope of community-based home care Community-based home care is a community-based comprehensive care model that provides support and assistance in a home environment for elderly individuals, especially those living alone. This model is not limited to medical care but encompasses various aspects such as health management, daily living assistance, psychological support, and social activities. Community-based home care services typically include regular visits by professional nurses or caregivers, health monitoring, medication management, rehabilitation guidance, and emergency response services. These services help elderly individuals maintain physical health, reduce the likelihood of acute illnesses, and enhance daily self-care abilities (Li and Zhang, 2024). Community-based home care also includes informal social support systems, such as neighbor assistance, community volunteer services, and support from family and friends. These informal support systems play an essential role in the lives of elderly individuals, especially in emergencies or times of emotional distress, providing timely help and comfort. This support extends beyond physical health to include mental health support and social participation opportunities, helping elderly individuals overcome loneliness and anxiety. By offering these services, community-based home care enables elderly individuals to maintain independence in a familiar environment, improving their quality of life and sense of well-being (de Witt and Ploeg, 2016). In practice, the scope of community-based home care services may vary depending on regional policies, individual needs, and community resources. Some communities offer additional health education programs, social activities, and counseling services, while others may focus more on basic care and daily living support. By tailoring care services to specific needs, communities can better meet the diverse needs of the elderly and provide personalized support (Noguchi et al., 2021).
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==