Hostname: page-component-8448b6f56d-m8qmq Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-24T14:22:13.057Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Telephone Support Groups for Seniors with Disabilities*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 November 2010

Miriam Stewart ,
Karen Mann ,
Susan Jackson ,
Barbara Downe-Wamboldt ,
Linda Bayers ,
Myrna Slater  and
Lettie Turner
Miriam Stewart
Affiliation:
University of Alberta
Karen Mann
Affiliation:
Dalhousie University
Susan Jackson
Affiliation:
Research Assistant, Halifax, NS
Barbara Downe-Wamboldt
Affiliation:
Dalhousie University
Linda Bayers
Affiliation:
Self-Help Connection
Myrna Slater
Affiliation:
Canadian Pensioners Concerned, Halifax, NS
Lettie Turner
Affiliation:
One Voice Seniors, Halifax, NS
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

The growing population of seniors with disabilities experiences unmet support needs and loneliness. Although support deficiencies can be overcome by peers in support groups, most support groups are inaccessible to older adults with limited physical functioning. Accordingly, this project aimed to develop and test the impact of an accessible telephone support group intervention for seniors with disabilities. Six research questions guided the study. Four telephone support groups with five to six participants (n = 23) were created, each with a professional and a peer (senior) leader. The groups met once a week for 12 weeks. Qualitative analyses of the telephone transcripts and post-intervention interviews of participants and leaders revealed decreased support needs, diminished loneliness, and enhanced coping. Selection, training, and support of peer and professional leaders and member control of discussions were important ingredients of successful support groups.

Résumé

On constate une augmentation de la population des aîné(e)s souffrant d'invalidité, qui sont mal soutenus et qui sont seuls. Bien qu'un groupe de soutien puisse être formé par les pairs, les aîné(e)s dont les capacités physiques sont limitées y ont bien souvent difficilement accès. Ce projet visait à établir un groupe de soutien téléphonique pour les aîné(e)s souffrant d'invalidité et à en vérifier les résultats. L'étude se composait de six questions. On a formé quatre groupes de soutien téléphonique constitué de cinq à six membres chacun (n = 23) ayant à leur tête un spécialiste et un aîné(e). Les groupes se rencontraient une fois la semaine pendant 12 semaines. Une analyse qualitative de la transcription des appels et des interventions subséquentes des participants et des chefs a révélé une diminution des besoins de soutien, moins de solitude et une meilleure réaction face aux circonstances. La sélection, la formation et l'appui des pairs et des spécialistes ainsi qu'un bonne orientation des échanges ont été des facteurs importants du succès des groupes.

Keywords

Telephone SupportSupport GroupsSocial SupportPeer-Professional PartnershipsSoutien téléphoniquegroupes de soutiensoutien socialpartenariats pairsspécialistes
Type
Articles
Information
Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement , Volume 20 , Issue 1 , Printemps/Spring 2001 , pp. 47 - 72
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association on Gerontology 2001

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Banks, S., Crossman, D., Poel, D., & Stewart, M. (1997). Partnerships among health professionals and self help groups. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, 64(5), 259–269.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Bloom, J.R. (1990). The relationship of social support and health. Social Science and Medicine, 39, 635–637.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Borkman, T. (1990). Self-help groups at the turning point: Emerging egalitarian alliances with the formal health care system? American Journal of Community Psychology, 18(2), 321–332.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
D'Augelli, A.R. (1989). The development of a helping community for lesbians and gay men: A case study in community psychology. Journal of Community Psychology, 17, 18–29.3.0.CO;2-U>CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Donaldson, J.M., & Watson, R. (1996). Loneliness in elderly people: An important area for nursing research. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 24(5), 952–959.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Dykstra, P.A. (1995). Loneliness among the never and formerly married: The importance of supportive friendships and a desire for independence. Journal of Gerontology Series B-Psychological Sciences & Social Sciences, 50B(5), S321–S329.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Ellis, J.A. (1996). From the world of practice. Community interventions for helping isolated and underserved elders. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 26(3/4), 145–157.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Evans, R.L., Fox, H.R., Pritzl, D.O., & Halar, E.M. (1984). Group treatment of physically disabled adults by telephone. Social Work in Health Care, 5(3), 77–84.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Fine, R. (1993). A study of seniors helping seniors. In Stewart, M. & Lavoie, F. (Eds.), Self-help/mutual aid for seniors: Research challenges. Report of the Discussion Session at the Canadian Association on Gerontology, Montreal, October. Self-Help Canada.Google Scholar
Folkman, S., Lazarus, R.S., Gruen, R.J., & DeLongis, A. (1986). Appraisal, coping, health status, and psychological symptoms. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 50(3), 571–579CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Fridinger, F., Goodwin, G., & Chang, C. (1992). Physician and consumer attitudes and behaviours regarding self-help support groups as an adjunct to traditional medical care. Journal of Health and Social Policy, 3(3), 19–36.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gilden, J.L., Hendryx, M.S., Clar, S., Casia, C., & Singh, S.P. (1992). Diabetes support groups improve health care of older diabetic patients. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 20, 147–150.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Goodman, C.G. (1990). Evaluation of a model of self-help telephone program: Impact on natural networks. Social Work, 35, 556–562.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Goodman, C.G., & Pynoos, J. (1990). A model telephone information and support program for caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. The Gerontologist, 30, 399–404.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Gottlieb, B.H. (1995). Research on mutual aid and social support: Progress and future directions. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health, 14(2), 229–234.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Gottlieb, B.H. (1998). Support groups. In Friedman, H.S. (Ed.), Encyclopedia of mental health (pp. 635–648). San Diego, CA: Academic Press.Google Scholar
Gottlieb, B.H. (2000). Selecting and planning support interventions. In Cohen, S., Underwood, L.G., & Gottlieb, B.H. (Eds.), Social support measurement and interventions (pp. 195–220). New York: Oxford University Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hare, A.P., Blumberg, H.H., Davies, M.F., & Kent, M.V. (1994). Small group research: A handbook. Norwood, NJ: Ablex Publishing Corp.Google Scholar
Helgeson, V.S., & Gottlieb, B.H. (2000). Support groups. In Cohen, S., Underwood, L.G., & Gottlieb, B.H. (Eds.), Social support measurement and interventions (pp. 221–245). New York: Oxford University Press.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Heller, K. (1990). Social and community intervention. Annual Review of Psychology, 41, 141–168.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Heller, K, Thompson, M., Trueba, P., Hogg, J., & Viachos-Weber, I. (1991). Peer support telephone dyads for elderly women: Was this the wrong intervention? American Journal of Community Psychology, 19(1), 53–74.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Infante-Rivard, C., Krieger, M., Petitcler, M., & Baumgarten, M. (1988). A telephone support service to reduce medical care use among the elderly. Journal of Advanced Gerontology Studies, 36(4), 306–311.Google ScholarPubMed
Johnson, J.E. (1996). Social support and physical health in the rural elderly. Applied Nursing Research, 9(2), 61–66.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
King, H. (1991). A telephone reassurance service: A natural support system for the elderly. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 123, 291–292.Google Scholar
Lavoie, J-P. (1995). Support groups for informal caregivers don't work¡ Refocus the groups or the evaluations? Canadian Journal on Aging, 14, 580–595.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Maguire, L. (1991). Social support systems in practice. Silver Spring, MD: National Association of Social Workers Press.Google Scholar
Maton, K.I. (1987). Patterns and psychological correlates of material support within a religious setting: The bidirectional support hypothesis. American Journal of Community Psychology, 15, 185–207.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Meissen, G., Mason, W., & Gleason, D. (1991). Understanding the attitudes and intentions of future professionals toward self-help. American Journal of Community Psychology, 19(5), 699–714.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Millar, J. (1996). Chronic pain. Health Reports, 7(4), cat. #82–003. Ottawa: Statistics Canada.Google Scholar
Moore, E.G., & Rosenberg, M.W. (1997). Growing old in Canada: Demographic and geographic perspectives. Toronto: Statistics Canada & ITP Nelson.Google Scholar
Neufeld, A., & Harrison, M.J. (1995). Reciprocity and social support in caregivers' relationships: Variations and consequences. Qualitative Health Research, 5, 348–365.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Pijls, L.T.J., Feskens, E.J.M., & Kromhout, D. (1993). Self-rated health, mortality, and chronic diseases in elderly men: The Zutphen Study, 1985–1990. American Journal of Epidemiology, 138, 840–848.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Rakowski, W., Mor, V., & Hiris, J. (1991). The association of self-rated health with two-year mortality in a sample of well elderly. Journal of Aging and Health, 3, 527–545.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rene, J., Weinberger, M., Mazzuca, S.A., Brandt, K.D., & Katz, B.P. (1992). Reduction of joint pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis who have received monthly telephone calls from lay personnel and whose medical treatment regimens have remained stable. Arthritis and Rheumatism, 35(5), 511–515.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Rook, K. (1987). Reciprocity of social exchange and social satisfaction among older women. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 52, 145–154.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Rosenberg, M., & Moore, E. (1997). The health of Canada's population: Current status and future implications. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 157(8), 1025–1032.Google ScholarPubMed
Rounds, K.A., Galinsky, M.J., & Stevens, L.S. (1991). Linking people with AIDS in rural communities: The telephone group. Social Work, 36, 13–18.Google ScholarPubMed
Shahtahmasebi, S., Davies, R., & Wenger, G.C. (1992). A longitudinal analysis of factors related to survival in old age. The Gerontologist, 32, 404–405.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Simmons, S. (1994). Social networks: Their relevance to mental health nursing. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 19, 281–289.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Solomon, Z., Waysman, M., & Mikulincer, M. (1990). Family functioning, perceived social support, and combat related psychopathology: The moderating role of loneliness. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 5(4), 456–472.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Spitzer, A., Bar, Tal Y., & Golander, H. (1995). Social support: How does it really work? Journal of Advanced Nursing, 22(5), 850–854.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Statistics Canada. (1999, July). Census 1996, Available Internet: Statcan.caGoogle Scholar
Stein, C.H. (1991). Peer support telephone dyads for elderly women: The wrong intervention or the wrong research? American Journal of Community Psychology, 19, 91–98.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Stewart, M. (1993). Integrating social support in nursing. Newbury Park, CA: Sage Publications.Google Scholar
Stewart, M. (2000). Chronic conditions and caregiving in Canada: Social support strategies. Toronto: University of Toronto Press.Google Scholar
Stewart, M., Banks, S., Crossman, D., & Poel, D. (1994). Partnerships between health professionals and self-help groups: Meanings and mechanisms. Prevention in Human Services, 11(2), 199–240.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Stewart, M., Lavoie, F., & Rootman, I. (1998). Self-help/Mutual Aid for Seniors and their Family Caregivers. Halifax, NS: Atlantic Health Promotion Research Centre, Dalhousie University (SIRP, 1998).Google Scholar
Thoits, P.A. (1995). Stress, coping and social support processes: Where are we? What next? Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 53–79.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
Thomas, T., & Urbano, J. (1993). A telephone group support program for the visually-impaired elderly. Clinical Gerontologist, 13(2), 61–71.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Tindale, R.S., Heath, L., Edwards, J., Posavac, E.J., Bryan, F.B., Suarez-Balcazar, Y., Henderson-King, E., & Myers, J. (1998). Theory and research on small groups. In Social Psychological Applications to Social Issues, (4). New York and London: Plenum Press.Google Scholar
Toseland, R.W. (1990). Long term effectiveness of peer led and professionally led support groups for caregivers. Social Service Review, 64, 301–327.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Toseland, R.W., Rossiter, C.M., Peak, T., & Hill, P. (1990). Therapeutic processes in peer led and professionally led support groups for caregivers. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 40, 279–303.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
van Tilburg, T., de Jong Gierveld, J., Lecchini, L., & Marsiglia, D. (1998). Social integration and loneliness: A comparative study among older adults in the Netherlands and Tuscany, Italy. Journal of Social & Personal Relationships, 15(6), 740–754.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
van Tilburg, T.G. (1990). The size of the supportive network in association with the degree of loneliness. In Knipscheer, K., Antonucci, T.C. et al. (Eds.), Social network research: Substantive issues and methodological questions (pp. 137–150). Amsterdam, Netherlands: Swets & Zeitlinger.Google Scholar
Weiss, R. (1974). The provisions of social relationships. In Rubin, Z. (Ed.), Doing unto others (pp. 17–26). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.Google Scholar
Wilson, J. (1993). Vital yet problematic. Self-help groups and professionals — A review of the literature in the last decade. Health & Social Care, 1, 211–218.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Winemiller, D.E., Mitchell, M.E., Sutcliffe, J., & Cline, D.J. (1993). Measurement strategies in social support: A descriptive review of the literature. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45(5), 638–648.3.0.CO;2-7>CrossRefGoogle Scholar