The Impact of Peer Mentoring on Loneliness, Depression, and Social Engagement in Long-Term Care

Author:

Theurer Kristine A.1ORCID,Stone Robyn I.2,Suto Melinda J.1,Timonen Virpi3,Brown Susan G.4,Mortenson W. Ben1

Affiliation:

1. The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

2. LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston, Washington, DC, USA

3. Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

4. Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Loneliness, depression, and social isolation are common among people living in long-term care homes, despite the activities provided. We examined the impact of a new peer mentoring program called Java Mentorship on mentees’ loneliness, depression, and social engagement, and described their perceptions of the visits. We conducted a mixed-methods approach in 10 homes in Ontario, Canada, and enrolled residents as mentees ( n = 74). We used quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to understand their experience. After 6 months, mentees ( n = 43) showed a 30% reduction in depression ( p = .02, d = .76), a 12% reduction in loneliness ( p = .02, d = .76), and a 60% increase in the number of monthly programs attended ( p = .01, d = .37), with small-to-medium effect sizes. The analysis of mentee’s interviews revealed positive perceptions. This program offers an innovative, nonpharmacological alternative to the treatment of loneliness and depression.

Funder

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

national institute on aging

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

Geriatrics and Gerontology,Gerontology

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