Volunteers as relationship therapists for institutionalized geriatric patients

In a three year demonstration project we trained non-professional volunteers to carry out relationship therapy with emotionally disturbed geriatric patients at Levindale, a long-term-care old age home and chronic disease hospital. This was part of an overal program to create a therapeutic milieu in the institution which would oppose the disculturation, stripping processes. The selection and training program are described. The results with the volunteer counselors and the impact of their work on the structure and functioning of all levels of the institutional life are detailed. Recommendations are made for carrying out such a program in other long-term-care settings.