1. Meals on Wheels Central Texas: addressing loneliness and isolation through client-volunteer interaction.
- Author
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Bonagurio, Christine, Brunson, Emily, Marceaux, Seanna, and Sasser, Lauren
- Subjects
SAFETY ,RESEARCH methodology ,TELEPHONES ,INTERVIEWING ,SOCIAL isolation ,VOLUNTEERS ,SURVEYS ,PATIENTS' attitudes ,QUALITATIVE research ,LONELINESS ,PSYCHOSOCIAL factors ,PHYSICAL mobility ,INTERPERSONAL relations ,PATIENT-professional relations ,THEMATIC analysis ,DATA analysis software ,FOOD service - Abstract
Purpose: Meals on Wheel Central Texas (MOWCTX) provides meals to more than 5,000 home-bound older adults in the Austin area every weekday. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of client-volunteer interactions to assess the social benefits clients receive and ascertain if and how loneliness and social isolation are addressed. Design/methodology/approach: Observations of volunteer-client interactions, interviews with clients and surveys of clients were conducted to gain insight into clients' experiences with MOWCTX services. Findings: Qualitative analysis of observation and interview data revealed four non-tangible benefits clients received from MOWCTX: reduced physical risks when mobility issues are present, a daily safety check, opportunities for social contact and increased ability to maintain independence. Survey results supported these conclusions. Originality/value: This research examines the impact of volunteer-client relationships on the experience of loneliness and social isolation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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