THE IMPACT OF BEFRIENDING ON DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, SOCIAL SUPPORT AND LONELINESS IN OLDER ADULTS LIVING IN RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE FACILITIES

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.