Dr. Marianne Saragosa, an Embedded Nurse Scientist at Sinai Health’s Science of Care Institute and Centre for Nursing Excellence.
Circle of Care is proud to announce a partnership with Dr. Marianne Saragosa, an Embedded Nurse Scientist at Sinai Health’s Science of Care Institute and Centre for Nursing Excellence. Funded by AMS Healthcare, Dr. Saragosa is conducting an in-depth study of our Phone Pals program, “TechCompanions: Navigating Social Isolation in Older Adults Living in the Community through Compassionate Digital Connections.” Circle of Care’s Phone Pals program pairs trained volunteers with older adults for regular phone calls designed to foster companionship and mitigate social isolation. This important research will help deepen our understanding of how these connections can be optimized for the benefit of older adults and volunteers.
While Circle of Care offers essential services such as home care and Meals on Wheels, we recognize that fostering social connectedness is equally vital to promoting aging adults’ health, well-being, and independence. Indeed, the Phone Pals program is designed to transcend the conventional notion of a mere phone call. It is about cultivating genuine relationships that offer emotional support, a sense of belonging, and consistent social interaction as volunteers are carefully matched with seniors based on shared interests, language, and cultural backgrounds. The program also serves as a regular wellness check, providing peace of mind to seniors and their families alike.
However, to maximize the program’s impact, it is crucial to understand the factors contributing to these connections’ success. Dr. Saragosa’s research aims to address pivotal questions: What elements underpin a successful bond between volunteers and seniors? How do variables such as age, cultural alignment, or shared interests influence the effectiveness of these relationships? What barriers impede the success of some of these interactions, and how can they be mitigated?
Dr. Saragosa’s study encompasses a comprehensive review of the existing literature on similar programs, as well as interviews with program staff, volunteers, and clients. This will also consider how volunteer-client relationships can evolve over time, particularly regarding the transition from phone-based interactions to in-person visits. The research will examine the factors that facilitate or inhibit social connections and how blending virtual and physical interactions might further enhance the bond between volunteers and clients.
Another focal point of this research is the role of technology in facilitating social connections. While many older adults currently face barriers to digital literacy, Dr. Saragosa’s study will explore the potential for integrating more advanced forms of communication—such as video calls, messaging, and other digital platforms—into the Phone Pals model. This is particularly timely, as future generations of aging adults are expected to be more digitally literate. Understanding how technology can be harnessed to enhance social engagement will be critical in ensuring that Phone Pals and similar programs remain adaptable to the evolving technological landscape.
This research is not only essential for refining the Phone Pals program but is also integral to advancing our understanding of the broader landscape of social programs designed to combat isolation among seniors. The insights gained from the study will be shared with other service providers, enabling the widespread application of best practices and strategies that can enhance similar initiatives across Canada and beyond.
Moreover, this partnership underscores the fundamental importance of volunteerism in supporting the well-being of older adults. Volunteers are the heart of programs like Phone Pals, offering their time, energy, and empathy to make a difference in the lives of others. By understanding how to make these connections most effective, we can ensure that volunteers feel truly valued for their contributions while making a tangible impact on the lives of those they support.
Through meaningful partnerships with local researchers and volunteers, we are shaping a future in which seniors are not merely cared for but genuinely connected.
