The BC Pharmacists Association informs members of the part they can play in recognizing patients suffering from loneliness and suggesting remedies. It points out that social isolation is linked to worsening cognitive function, reduced sleep quality, increased stress and decreasing immune response. The condition affects a wide spectrum of the community, with young adults, adolescents, single parents, the unemployed, new immigrants and those with a mental illness particularly susceptible. The association says that in their interactions with patients, pharmacists can identify signs of social isolation when renewing prescriptions, such as mobility issues or secondary health problems that reduce connections to the community. It adds that members should direct patients they believe may be lonely to counselling services, outreach and peer support programs through the province's 211 service.
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