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Friendly Visiting Programs for Older People Experiencing Social Isolation: A Realist Review of what Works, for whom, and under what Conditions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 August 2023

Rachel Weldrick Open the ORCID record for Rachel Weldrick [Opens in a new window] ,
James R. Dunn ,
Gavin J. Andrews  and
Jenny Ploeg Open the ORCID record for Jenny Ploeg [Opens in a new window]
Rachel Weldrick*
Affiliation:
Department of Gerontology, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada School of Urban and Regional Planning, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
James R. Dunn
Affiliation:
Department of Health, Aging & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Gavin J. Andrews
Affiliation:
Department of Health, Aging & Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
Jenny Ploeg
Affiliation:
School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
*
Corresponding author: La correspondance et les demandes de tirés-à-part doivent être adressées à : / Correspondence and requests for offprints should be sent to: Rachel Weldrick, PhD, #2800-515 West Hastings St., Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6B 5K3, (rachel_weldrick@sfu.ca).
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Abstract

Many social interventions have been developed with the hopes of reducing and preventing social isolation among older people (e.g., recreation, arts-based programs and social prescription). Friendly visiting programs, also known as befriending schemes, have been a mainstay in this area for decades and are largely thought to be effective at reconnecting older people (≥ 60 years of age) experiencing isolation. Research and evaluations have yet to determine, however, how and why these programs may be most successful, and under what conditions. This article presents the findings of a realist synthesis aimed at identifying the critical mechanisms and contextual factors that lead to successful outcomes in friendly visiting programs. Seven studies are synthesized to inform a friendly visiting program theory accounting for key mechanisms (e.g., provision of informal support) and underlying contexts (e.g., training of volunteers) that can be used to inform future programs. Recommendations for future research are also presented.

Résumé

Résumé

Bon nombre d’interventions sociales ont été mises au point dans l’espoir d’atténuer et de prévenir l’isolement social chez les personnes âgées (notamment, les programmes basés sur les arts et les loisirs et la prescription sociale). Les programmes de visites amicales, aussi connus comme des programmes de rencontre, sont des pierres angulaires de ce domaine depuis des décennies, et sont considérés comme des moyens efficaces d’aider les personnes âgées qui vivent de l’isolement à renouer avec leur milieu social. La recherche et les évaluations n’ont cependant pas encore déterminé comment, pourquoi et dans quelles conditions ces programmes pourraient être le plus fructueux. Cet article présente les résultats d’une synthèse réaliste visant à déterminer les mécanismes essentiels et les facteurs contextuels auxquels peut être attribué le succès des programmes de visites amicales. Sept études ont été analysées pour étayer une théorie sur les programmes de visites amicales fondée sur des mécanismes essentiels (p. ex., la pratique du soutien informel) et des contextes sous-jacents (p. ex., la formation des bénévoles). Cette théorie pourrait servir à éclairer l’élaboration de futurs programmes. Des recommandations de recherches futures sont aussi présentées.

Keywords

aginglonelinesssocial supportsocial isolationfriendly visitingvieillissementsolitudesoutien socialisolement socialvisites amicales
Type
Article
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 42 , Issue 4 , December 2023 , pp. 538 - 550
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Copyright
© Canadian Association on Gerontology 2023

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