Individuals who lack decision-making capacity and have no family or friends to act as their surrogate decision-maker are unbefriended. Unbefriended individuals are unsupported by family and friends, and often require a public guardian to help make personal decisions. In long term care, these individuals can be socially isolated, which may have negative social and health impacts, making this group of residents a highly vulnerable population.

As part of her doctoral research, our PhD student…