The Impact of Peer Mentoring on Loneliness, Depression, and Social Engagement in Long-Term Care

• Published in: Journal of applied gerontology Vol. 40; no. 9; pp. 1144 - 1152
• Main Authors: Theurer, Kristine A., Stone, Robyn I., Suto, Melinda J., Timonen, Virpi, Brown, Susan G., Mortenson, W. Ben
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.09.2021; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Loneliness; Long term health care; Mental depression; Mentoring; Mentoring programs; Social isolation; social isolation; loneliness; depression; citizenship; peer support
• ISSN: 0733-4648; 1552-4523
• DOI: 10.1177/0733464820910939

Loneliness, depression, and social isolation are common among people living in long-term care homes, despite the activities provided. We examined the impact of a new peer mentoring program called Java Mentorship on mentees’ loneliness, depression, and social engagement, and described their perceptions of the visits. We conducted a mixed-methods approach in 10 homes in Ontario, Canada, and enrolled residents as mentees (n = 74). We used quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to understand their experience. After 6 months, mentees (n = 43) showed a 30% reduction in depression (p = .02, d = .76), a 12% reduction in loneliness (p = .02, d = .76), and a 60% increase in the number of monthly programs attended (p = .01, d = .37), with small-to-medium effect sizes. The analysis of mentee’s interviews revealed positive perceptions. This program offers an innovative, nonpharmacological alternative to the treatment of loneliness and depression.