Evaluating the Impact of Senior Companion Programs
Evaluating the Impact of Senior Companion Programs on Homebound Adults' Well-being and Independent Living Status
This study tests whether connecting homebound seniors with community volunteers for companionship and support can improve their overall well-being and help them stay independent at home.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1040 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Notre Dame Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Notre Dame, Indiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT05368480 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study assesses the effectiveness of Senior Companion Programs (SCP) that connect community volunteers with homebound seniors. The program provides companionship, assistance with meal preparation, transportation, and social interaction to help seniors maintain their independence at home. Clients are screened for eligibility and matched with companions based on their needs and location. The study aims to evaluate the overall well-being and living status of seniors receiving these services.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are seniors aged 21 or older who are homebound, isolated, or in need of social support.
Not a fit: Patients who are not homebound or whose living conditions are deemed unsafe for a companion will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the quality of life for seniors by enabling them to live independently while receiving necessary support.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with similar companion programs, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Each agency will maintain their standard of care definition of eligibility for services. Generally, these criteria include: the client must be at least 21+ or 65+ years of age (depending on the agency) and the client's current living situation makes them a good fit for services. "Good fit for services" is up to the agency based on how they typically admit clients for services. Some factors that enter into the definition of a good fit include: the client must either be isolated, lacking in social ties that assist them, or their caregivers need respite services, in which case we provide them the same services as an isolated individual. Volunteer assistance must be vital to the client remaining in the home. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants under the age requirement for a given home will be excluded as will those who are deemed not a good fit for services. This might include clients who are not homebound or who's homes are in such poor condition that an agency doesn't feel the visiting companion would be safe.
Where this trial is running
Notre Dame, Indiana
- University of Notre Dame — Notre Dame, Indiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: William N Evans, PhD — University of Notre Dame
- Study coordinator: William N Evans, PhD
- Email: wevans1@nd.edu
- Phone: 574-631-7039
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.