"It Makes You Feel Good to Help!": An Exploratory Study of the Experience of Peer Mentoring in Long-Term Care. Issue 3 (11th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Theurer, Kristine A.; Stone, Robyn I.; Suto, Melinda J.; Timonen, Virpi; Brown, Susan G.; Mortenson, W. Ben
• Is Part Of: Canadian journal on aging. Volume 41:Issue 3(2022)
• Page Start: 451
• Page End: 459
• Publication Date: 2022-09-11
• Subjects: aging -- loneliness -- social isolation -- nursing homes -- mental health; vieillissement -- solitude -- isolement social -- centres de soins -- santé mentale; Gerontology -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Canada -- Periodicals; 612.6705
• DOI: 10.1017/S0714980821000611
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0714-9808

Abstract

Abstract: Social isolation and loneliness in long-term care settings are a growing concern. Drawing on concepts of social citizenship, we developed a peer mentoring program in which resident mentors and volunteers formed a team, met weekly for training, and paired up to visit isolated residents. In this article, we explore the experiences of the resident mentors. As part of a larger mixed-methods study conducted in 10 sites in Canada, we interviewed mentors ( n = 48) and analysed data using inductive thematic analysis. We identified three inter-related themes: Helping others, helping ourselves described the personal benefits experienced through adopting a helping role; Building a bigger social world encapsulated new connections with those visited, and; Facing challenges, learning together described how mentors dealt with challenges as a team. Our findings suggest that a structured approach to mentoring benefits residents and helps them feel confident taking on a role supporting their isolated peers.