Isolated elders program : phase II : a summary report

The purpose of the Isolated Elders Program is to identify seniors who are isolated in New Westminster, and to help them get out of their homes and back into the community. It is an innovative program located within a dynamic, changing healthcare system and this report summarizes a process of documentation and research designed to assist service-providers develop the most effective strategies for reducing and preventing social isolation. The focus in Phase I was on the development and evaluation of a training program for senior volunteers: Phase II focuses on a description of the client population, services delivered to them, and what we have learned about isolation. This is a part-time program, requiring a total of 3 112 months per year for the program manager, working with a researcher, 5 senior volunteers, a program assistant, and a practicum student. Methods and procedures for gathering data and preparing the report included: analysis of (a) tracking forms and client information records; (b) interviews with building managers, previous clients, and volunteers; (c) participant observation records of team meetings; and a focus group. (Forms and interview protocols are provided in the Appendix.)