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07/12/2009

Tool Information

Settings: Residence for Older People
MHP Steps: Implementation
Country of Origin: United States
Languages: English
URL: Click here for Tool Website
Publication Information: Rabiner Donna J., Scheffler Scott, Koetse Elisabeth, Palermo Jennifer, Ponzi Elizabeth, Burt Sandra, Hampton Lynelle. The Impact of the Senior Companion program on Quality of Life Outcomes for Frail older adults and their families. Home Health Care Services quarterly, Vol. 22(4) 2003

Evaluation: Yes
Available Formats: Online
Free: Yes
Restrictions on Use: No
Tool Focus: Individual
Tool Type: Programme

Tool Description

The Senior Companion Program is part of Senior Corps, a network of national service programs that provide older volunteers with the opportunity to apply their life experiences to meet community needs. Because of this program, thousands of elders are able to continue living an independent life in the comfort of their own homes. Locally, the Senior Companion Program is sponsored by the city of Phoenix Human Services Department, Senior Services Division. Senior Companions are healthy older adults who help other adults and seniors live independently. They provide friendship and support services to clients who may be lonely, ill, or disabled. Each Senior Companion serves from three to eight clients, depending on the needs of each client. Services of a Senior Companion may include: • Accompanying their clients to medical appointments, the grocery store, senior or community centers or social events • Assisting their clients in obtaining needed social services and completing daily tasks • Providing short periods of relief to primary caregivers such as family members. Without the help of Senior Companions, many older adults would not be able to continue living at home and would need more expensive, less personal care.

Tool Characteristics

Application in the Field: General use in one country
Tool mainly used in: United States

Evaluation Description

Telephone interviews were conducted with national samples of frail Senior Companion Program clients, family members, and comparison group participants. Multivariance procedures were used to examine study outcomes. The program showed to hava some favorable effects on client well-being.

Contact Details

Contact Name: Lacretia Bacon, Volunteer Coordinator
Organisation Name: Senior Services Division 200
Address: W. Washington St. 17th floor
Postal Code: Phoenix, AZ 85003-1611
Country: United States
Telephone: 602-256-3353

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