Citation

Schwei RJ, Amesoudji AW, DeYoung K, Madlof J, Zambrano-Morales E, Mahoney J, Jacobs EA. Home Health Care Serv. Q. 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/01621424.2020.1778594

PMID

32525461

Abstract

Peer to peer (P2P) support has been suggested as one community program that may promote aging in place. We sought to understand challenges older adults have maintaining their independence and to identify how P2P support facilitates independence. We completed 17 semi-structured interviews with older adults receiving P2P support in 3 cities in the United States. Study team members coded data using deductive and inductive conventional content analysis. Participants identified declining abilities, difficulties with mobility, and increasing cost of living as challenges to independence. P2P support facilitated independence and provided them with a new friend. The qualitative findings indicate that maintaining independence as an older adult in the United States has many challenges. P2P programs have an important role in helping older adults stay in their home by supporting mobility and promoting social engagement.

Language: en

Keywords

aging in place; cost of living; Independence; isolation; peer-to-peer support; transportation