A review of the CONNECT home visitation project from the perspective of the service user

Abstract

This research study was conducted on the CONNECT home visitation project which aims to alleviate loneliness among older people. The project trains volunteers to carry out a weekly one hour home visit. The volunteer talks and listens to the older people. The concept of loneliness was explored and its subjective nature outlined. Interviews were conducted with the older people to obtain their views and satisfaction with the service as well as ideas on improvements. The research indicates that the project is perceived to be a positive element to their lives. Clearer communication was the main source of recommendations made. It became evident that the older people required a better understanding of some of the elements of the project and that clearer communication would aid this.