Social Connection Collective for Older Adults in Subsidized Housing

Summary

This study will evaluate a resident-led program designed to promote social connection among older adults living in subsidized housing communities in Baltimore. A small group of residents, called Resident Champions, will receive training and support from the research team to form a Social Connection Collective and develop activities that encourage residents to connect with one another and build peer support networks. The study will assess whether the program is feasible and acceptable to residents and will explore whether participation is associated with changes in social isolation, social connectedness, and sense of belonging. Resident Champions will participate in approximately six group sessions over about six months, help organize community activities, and complete surveys and interviews before and after the intervention. Other residents in the housing communities may complete surveys about social connections and experiences.

Detailed Description

This study is an open-label pilot of a resident-led social connection intervention for older adults living in subsidized housing communities in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. The intervention was developed using a participatory, human-centered design approach and was informed by input from community advisory board members and subsidized housing stakeholders. The intervention centers on the formation of a Social Connection Collective at participating housing communities. Each Collective will include approximately 6-10 Resident Champions who will receive training and ongoing support from the research team. Resident Champions will work together to identify community interests and priorities, develop activities of choosing, and encourage opportunities for residents to build relationships and peer-support networks. The intervention will be implemented in up to six housing communities. The initial phase will assess feasibility and acceptability in two communities. Following this period, the research team will use feedback and experience from residents and housing stakeholders to make appropriate adaptations before expanding the intervention to additional housing communities. The intervention will include approximately six structured co-design sessions held about once per month. Sessions will focus broadly on resident engagement, social connection, leadership development, and community participation. Specific activities and approaches will be developed collaboratively with Resident Champions and may change over time in response to resident interests and the needs of each housing community. Between sessions, Resident Champions may conduct outreach, build relationships with neighbors, and organize community activities with support from the research team. The research team will provide ongoing support to Resident Champions, including training, supplies, and other resources needed to implement community activities. The team will also use structured observation to document social interaction, use of community spaces, and changes in collective identity throughout the intervention. Following the intervention period, Resident Champions will complete follow-up interviews and surveys, and general residents will be invited to complete follow-up surveys. The study will use these data, along with information collected throughout implementation, to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and explore preliminary changes in social connection-related outcomes. The intervention is designed to be responsive to the needs and preferences of each housing community. The research team will use participant feedback and observations throughout the study to inform refinements to the intervention and identify approaches that may support future implementation and sustainability.

Eligibility Criteria

Interventions