The Helping Older People Engage Project: Improving Social Well-Being in Later Life

"Volunteers provide non-medical caregiving for frail seniors-care receivers-to help them maintain their independence and improve their well-being. Friendly visiting is the primary service provided. Structured, intensive training is provided prior to placement. The target expectation is of interactions in person and/or by telephone for at least 16 hours per month. On-going training (booster sessions) as well as volunteer support groups, and educational activities are provided. Participants not interested in serving as peer companions are allowed other volunteer options as long as the activities are deemed 'social' by the volunteer coordinator and are options routinely provided as part of the AmeriCorps Senior RSVP Program. COVID update: due to physical distancing requirements, volunteer placements have transitioned to remote friendly calling/letter writing or activities that can be conducted with physical distancing, such as delivery for Meals on Wheels."

Subjects will complete a self-guided life review exercise over 12 months. Subjects will complete one section of the life review (with the self-help book) each month and send 'assignments' once per month to an email 'counselor' who will respond with supportive comments within three days.