This paper presents findings from a qualitative study of social isolation in the
context of service provision to older people. It draws on in-depth interviews
with 18 Australian aged care practitioners about their perceptions of social
isolation among their clients. The findings show that service providers
experience significant levels of concern and frustration and a sense of
powerlessness in meeting the needs of such clients. In analysing these accounts,
the identification and management of isolation is conceptualised as a social
practice which occurs in specific relational settings. The provision of care to
lonely, isolated old people is structurally constrained in two ways. First,
because of inadequate public resource allocation, the relationship between
practitioners and older clients is dominated by time pressure and instrumentality.
Secondly, the organisational and professional rules which
service providers are required to follow shape the interpersonal relations
between practitioner and client in ways which negatively impact on the
outcomes of care for both.