Experiences of volunteers serving older adults

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the volunteer component of the Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN) program, a service program designed to assist community‐residing older adults to remain in their homes and avoid premature institutionalization. The study seeks to examine how meaningful and satisfying the volunteer experience has been for individuals involved with NHN.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed an exploratory cross‐sectional survey format developed specifically for NHN for descriptive purposes. A purposive sample of 26 NHN volunteers completed the survey examining their experiences with the NHN program.

Findings

A total of 91 percent (21) volunteers reported being “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their volunteer experience and 70 percent felt that they had made a difference in their community.

Social implications

Programs such as NHN may be promising service models to meet the needs of older adults by building communities from the inside‐out.

Originality/value

This study provides new knowledge concerning the satisfaction of volunteers in a unique community‐based program serving older adults.

Citation

Kelly‐Gillespie, N. and Wilby, F. (2012), "Experiences of volunteers serving older adults", Working with Older People, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 31-40. https://doi.org/10.1108/13663661211215187