We created and tested a new way to measure social connection for people living in long-term care (LTC) homes. Our goal was to support better research, policies, and care practices that improve residents’ health and wellbeing.
Social connection is important for mental and physical health, and for quality of life. But current research tools weren’t necessarily designed for, or tested in, LTC settings.
We worked closely with an international team of researchers and people with lived experience. First, we reviewed all existing tools used to measure social connection in LTC homes. Then, we interviewed 67 people in Canada and the UK—including residents, family members, and staff—to learn what social connection for LTC residents means to them. Using this information, we developed a new measure and tested it with 163 residents in both countries.
We found that none of the existing measures could be recommended for LTC homes. We also found that key elements of social connection include interacting with other residents and staff, staying in touch with people outside the home, participating in activities, and feeling a sense of belonging.
We then developed and tested a new tool which includes these elements and was found to be practical, well-received by residents and staff, and showed early signs of being reliable and accurate. This new measure can help improve how we understand and support social connection in LTC homes
SONNET Study Update - presentation
March 2025
Author(s): Jennifer Bethell, Andrew Sommerlad
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A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Achieve - 2022 Annual Report
SONNET study has been mentioned in “A Dementia Strategy for Canada: Together We Achieve - 2022 Annual Report”
“Efforts are being made to improve the measurement of social connection for people living with dementia to better their health, care and quality of life. The SONNET Study led by Jennifer Bethell (University Health Network in Toronto) and Andrew Summerland (University College in London, England) will incorporate information from interviews and focus groups of people with lived experience and test an approach to measure social connection in long-term care (LTC). Findings from this research will help assess person-centred care to improve the health and quality of life of LTC residents.”
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International collaboration to address measurement gaps in dementia care and outcomes
CBRF News, News December 16, 2021
Brain Canada and the Alzheimer’s Association are funding two Canadian-led teams for brain research that will help ensure care providers are implementing evidence-based practices and achieving desired outcomes for people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
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How care home activities help residents find connection
By Michal Misiak