Social support and the chronically III individual

The problem of impaired social interaction may occur secondary to the personality changes that often accompany chronic illnesses, or as a function of the chronic illness or disability itself, as in the case of mental illnesses. Social impairment is an appropriate nursing diagnosis in abusive families. Nursing interventions range from educational programs for social skill development to reduction of the amount of contact within the network to involvement of protective and psychotherapy services. Chronic illness has profound effects on social support and the social network of both the ill person and his or her family. As both long-term illnesses and family involvement in care giving increase, nursing care in situations of chronic illness must include attention to issues of social support. Nursing diagnosis provides a framework for nurses to include social support in their care of the chronically ill patient. Social isolation and social impairment can be reduced by nursing interventions.