A Look at a Community Coming Together to Meet the Needs of Older Adults: An Evaluation of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program. The study included surveys of 49 community-residing older adults and 26 community volunteers. Results showed that older adults perceived their quality of life to have improved after receiving social and environmental services; volunteers felt that their contributions to the program had made a significant difference in their community. This exploratory, descriptive study is only a beginning effort, but it holds great promise for suggesting ways to address the needs of the burgeoning aging population in our society.

Homophily and Health Behavior in Social Networks of Older Adults

“…This is often due to family members moving away and the loss of friends from relocation or aging and eventually passing away. 25–26 In 2005–2006, the National Social Life, Health and Aging Project’s (NSHAP) examined a nationally representative sample of older adults ages 57 to 85 and found that on average older adults’ ego networks were comprised of 3.6 ties. 27–28 However, other studies have suggested that community-dwelling older adults’ network may range from 7 to as high as 12.…”

Experiences of volunteers serving older adults

“…Findings revealed that 87 percent (41) of the program participants were satisfied with the services provided by NHN and believed these services helped them remain in their own homes in the community. These findings point to the NHN program as a promising model for assisting older adults to remain in their homes (Trickey et al, 2007).…”

“…Figure 1 shows the conceptual model for the use of volunteers (individuals and groups) within a community-building framework by the NHN program. Building partnerships and positive working relationships with informal support networks leads to valuable sources of information regarding those older adults who may be in need and matching them with volunteers to help meet those needs (Trickey et al, 2007).…”

“…Research has shown that nearly 90 percent of older adults wish to remain in their communities and age in place (Stoner and Guengerich, 2008). The types of services identified by older adults that are necessary to remain in their communities and age in place include social interaction, supportive services, and simple improvements in home safety and repair including modifications such as grab bars, handrails, and painting (Guengerich, 2008;Stoner and Guengerich, 2008;Trickey et al, 2007). Research has also shown that physical functioning problems increase when basic needs of community-residing older adults are not met, even after controlling for socioeconomic status and current health status.…”

“…An evaluation of the NHN program was conducted in 2004-2005(Trickey et al, 2007. 94 percent (49) of older adults served by NHN participated in this study.…”