Participants should be aware of the following financial/non-financial relationships:
Kristine A. Theurer, PhD: Java Group Programs (Self) : Grant/Research Support (Status: Ongoing), Ownership Interest (stocks, stock options, or other ownership interest excluding diversified mutual funds) (Status: Ongoing)
Loneliness is affecting many seniors in care despite best efforts, before and during COVID-19. Many residents do not come to programs and refuse invitations no matter what is on the calendar. The associated health risks of loneliness are significant and include falls, premature mortality and poorer health, the progression of dementia, and disease outcomes such as cancer, stroke, and heart disease. Typical recreational programming provided in senior living focuses on entertainment and distraction, rather than opportunities for meaningful resident engagement or contribution. While numerous interventions have been developed to reduce loneliness, recent reviews indicate that few are effective.
Residents themselves represent a largely untapped resource to address these issues. The Java Project is a research-based innovative approach using peer support and mentoring in skilled nursing, assisted living and retirement settings. People engaged in peer support and mentoring draw substantial benefits from these connections, however, this approach is rarely used within these settings. Research results of this approach demonstrated a significant reduction in loneliness and depression scores and a 60% increase in the number of monthly programs attended. In their interviews, residents described the importance of their shared experiences and how mentoring brought meaning and purpose to their lives.
Learning Objectives:
Discuss a model of resident peer support and mentoring to address mental health challenges such as loneliness and social isolation encountered by residents.
Discuss how to effectively evaluate research results concerning live peer support programs as derived from a case-based approach scenario within North Carolina communities.
Describe strategies to incorporate peer support and mentoring among residents in your organization.