The Impact of Befriending on Depression, Anxiety, Social Support and Loneliness in Older Adults Living in Residential Aged Care Facilities

Grant number: 1151065 | Funding period: 2018 - 2023

Completed

Abstract

About half of people living in residential aged care facilities may have significant depression symptoms. Many residents are socially isolated in RACFs even though they are in communal living, and social isolation is a contributor to depression. We propose a trial of befriending which is emotional and social support from trained volunteers. Volunteers will be trained using Beyondblue resources and a manual developed by the investigators.

Related publications (2)

BEFRIENding for Depression, Anxiety and Social support in older adults living in Australian residential aged care facilities (BEFRIENDAS): randomised controlled trial protocol

C Doyle, S Bhar, C Bryant, B Dow, D Dunt, G Mnatzaganian, D O’Connor, J Ratcliffe, E You, AM Bagnall, G Major, R Harper, M Fearn

2021-12-01

Background: This protocol describes an ongoing study of the impact of befriending on depression, anxiety and loneliness in older p..

Befriending Older Adults in Nursing Homes: Volunteer Perceptions of Switching to Remote Befriending in the COVID-19 Era

M Fearn, R Harper, G Major, S Bhar, C Bryant, B Dow, D Dunt, G Mnatzaganian, D O’Connor, J Ratcliffe, S Samuel, AM Bagnall, C Doyle

2021-01-01

Objectives: Residents in nursing homes are being isolated to prevent exposure to COVID-19. Many are prone to depression, anxiety a..

University of Melbourne Researchers

David Dunt

Christina Bryant