Washington State Ombudsman, Patricia Hunter, Interviewed on Social Isolation

February 01, 2021

The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Patricia Hunter, was interviewed for an AARP article on long-term care residents experiencing a double pandemic which includes social isolation. According to a publication from the CDC, isolation and loneliness are associated with a 50% increased risk of developing dementia, a 32% increased risk of stroke, and a nearly fourfold increased risk of death among heart failure patients. The Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program has identified many systemic problems and has crafted legislation to address some of the critical challenges that have emerged.

Read the full article.