Impact of an Intergenerational Service Learning Program on Goal Attainment Among Homebound Older Adults:: A...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Public Health
• Community Health Interventions
• Service-Learning Models

Background:

• Over 2 million older adults are homebound, facing social isolation and resource insecurity.
• Existing home-based services for aging in place are often inadequate.
• There's a need for comprehensive, adaptable support systems for aging populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of an intergenerational home-based service-learning program.
• To assess goal attainment in social support, home safety, community resource access, food access, and physical health.
• To determine the program's effectiveness in supporting older adults aging in place.

Main Methods:

• Surveyed 201 homebound/near-homebound older adults across three sites.
• Utilized descriptive and chi-square analyses to assess goal attainment.
• Tracked changes in subjective assessments over six or more months of program participation.

Main Results:

• 83% of clients reported positive changes in at least one service area.
• Home safety/cleanliness and social support were primary client goals.
• Statistically significant goal attainment was observed across all five service areas.

Conclusions:

• Intergenerational in-home support services effectively enhance well-being for homebound older adults.
• The program supports aging in place, improves quality of life, and reduces caregiver burden.
• Innovative service-learning models can create a pipeline of health professionals benefiting multiple stakeholders.