Examining the Role of Third Sector Organization Volunteers in Facilitating Hospital-to-Home Transitions for Older Adults &ndash; a Collective Case Study

Figures & Tables

Study Sample.

PROGRAM	UK PROGRAM 1: HOME FROM HOSPITAL SERVICE	UK PROGRAM 2: HOME FROM HOSPITAL SERVICE
Number of Participants	4 Staff 9 Volunteers 4 Clients	3 Staff 6 Volunteers 4 Clients
Participants per Focus Group or Interviews	2 Focus Groups (1 with all staff, 2 with volunteers) 4 Interviews	2 Focus Groups (1 with staff, 2 with volunteers) 4 Interviews

Program characteristics of each case.

PROGRAM	UK PROGRAM 1: HOME FROM HOSPITAL SERVICE	UK PROGRAM 2: HOME FROM HOSPITAL SERVICE
Program Purpose	Help older adults as they transition from the hospital to home and regain independence	Provide older adults transitioning home from hospital services
Staffing Model	2 full-time dedicated staff; approximately 70 volunteers	3 staff (full and part time); approximately 50 volunteers
Program Clientele and Admission Criteria	People over 55 years of age who live alone, and are unable to live independently in the short term	People over 75 years of age who live alone or with a carer have limited or no social support and no social care package
Services Provided	8-week service provided. Needs assessment conducted. Support included: shopping, light housework, aid to attend healthcare appointments, collecting prescriptions, emotional support, and signposting to other services.	8-week service. Needs assessment conducted Assistance with meal making, dog walking, gardening, shopping, collecting prescriptions, transportation to appointments, seated exercises, and befriending.

An overview of the assessment of risks and concerns within the UK programs.

UK PROGRAM 1 (HOME FROM HOSPITAL SERVICE)

UK PROGRAM 2 (HOME FROM HOSPITAL SERVICE)

– Health and safety check sheet includes assessment of outside property, inside property, and other areas as required
– Assessment included client’s self-reported considerations of their health (emotional and physical), environment (situation and condition), resources (financial, home, care and travel), background and social relations (family/neighbours/friends supporting- separation and bereavement)

– Referral forms and first contact checklists consider and assess health, wellbeing, safety and security. Specifically, staying well at home, feeling safe at home, managing money well, and staying active, social and healthy
– Assessment checklist includes self-reported considerations of health and wellbeing, emotional health, social connectedness, practical support.