From the Ground Up: How to Effectively Merge Research and Practice to Build Impactful Community Programs

The purpose of this presentation is to guide those interested in working in community non-profits through the program development process. Furthermore, this presentation highlights the importance of using an evidence-based eye when building programs--bridging what has been learned in the classroom with real world, hands on experience. The presentation will focus on the presenter\u27s academic and professional journey to being responsible for building a program from the ground up--focusing on what was learned along the way. In this presentation, participants will be walked through the process that guided the development of Delaware County\u27s Caregiver Program. Information will be shared regarding how to effectively utilize literature, research, create meaningful logic models, increase program enrollment, and track program outcomes to ensure program sustainability. Participants will have the opportunity to review program data as well as engage in discussions about identifying community needs and collaborating with community partners to ensure programmatic success

“They’re in My Heart, Mind, and Cells”: What Continuing Bonds Reveal About Social Networks

Abstract Background and Objectives Research suggests that robust social networks have positive effects on peoples’ well-being. An instrumental methodology for studying networks is the social convoy model, a diagram of concentric circles that illustrate network size, structure, and satisfaction. Convoys have been described as dynamic. Specifically, as people age, their convoys become stronger and smaller due to focusing on what matters most and accumulating losses. Therefore, convoys only include meaningful, living persons. The continuing bonds model posits that it is normal for people to maintain connections with the deceased. The objective of the current study was to integrate the social convoy and continuing bonds models in order to examine the presence of deceased loved ones in convoys. Research Design and Methods Eighteen individuals (M = 66 years), recruited via fliers and snowball sampling, participated in one semistructured interview regarding the death of a loved one and their convoy. Participants also completed a convoy model, identifying where the deceased fit (if anywhere) when they were alive and at present. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for themes. Results Three themes emerged: communication (i.e., writing or speaking to the deceased), continuity (i.e., a continuing relationship), and reciprocity (i.e., perceived exchange of support(s)). Eighty-nine percent of participants felt their loved one’s death did not change their convoy presence and 88% reported that their positioning in the convoy remained unchanged. Discussion and Implications This research offers a new way to think about convoys and may prompt the development of supportive interventions for bereaved individuals. </jats:sec

Local Initiatives to Fund Services for Older Americans: Community Recognition of the Importance of Social Care

Despite the growing proportion of older adults in the United States, federal and state funding for nonmedical supportive services remains limited. To meet increasing demand, some communities across the nation are exploring alternative funding sources for aging services. Although no systematic database exists to track such local programs, through an array of data sources including a national survey, telephone contacts, and a web review, we identified 15 states that are using local funding to support aging services. Communities are using a variety of local revenue streams, such as property tax levies, payroll, and sales taxes to provide services for older adults and/or their family or friend caregivers. There are considerable differences in community approaches including the following: amount of revenue generated, service eligibility criterion, type of services covered, and management infrastructure. Critical policy questions surrounding equity issues within and across states are raised as communities create these alternative funding mechanisms. </jats:p