Overview
The purpose of this study is to ascertain the feasibility and effectiveness of an 8-week social engagement program aimed at reducing depression and increasing social engagement among seniors who are transitioning out of Adult Protective Services (APS) for either elder abuse or self-neglect.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
Older Adults
- an APS validated EM/SN case
- able to provide informed consent
- able to speaks English or Spanish,
- community-dwelling,
- able to hear sufficiently using the telephone
- transitioning out of APS intervention (i.e. in the case closure phase of the APS service).
Student
- college or university student
- enrolled at one of the UTHealth graduate programs in Houston, University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Sam Houston State University, or Rice University
- commit to making 8-weekly consecutive calls
- complete the required 1-hour training and assessment.
Exclusion Criteria:
Older Adults
- Individuals needing a proxy to consent
- suspected or confirmed decision-making capacity impairments or uncontrolled psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, paranoia, delusion, or delirium
- Older adults transitioning to a nursing home, assisted-living, or residential care facility
Student
-only engaging in the program to fulfill some educational requirement