A community methodological protocol of a multisector collective impact collaboration to address older adult isolation in a rural county in the U.S

TL;DR

A group of organizations in Pennsylvania worked together to reduce isolation among older adults using a shared tool, peer support, and public awareness.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel methodological protocol for a multi-sector collaboration to address older adult isolation in a rural U.S. county.

Findings

A shared screening tool was implemented across organizations to identify isolation risk.

Peer navigators and public awareness campaigns were effective in reducing social isolation among older adults.

The initiative created ripple effects in the region's aging services landscape.

Abstract

In 2019, a community collaborative of nearly 30 health care, social service, philanthropic, and government organizations came together to construct a community-wide plan to reduce older adult isolation in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. Although such collaborations have been pursued before, the current one has exceeded expectations, launched a promising pilot, and formed exciting ripple effects throughout the region's aging services landscape. Among the implementation strategies informing the initiative are the use of an interorganizational shared screening tool to identify isolation risk, a team of older adult peer navigators to provide one-on-one assistance and foster connections for those who are isolated, and a major public awareness campaign to educate residents on the negative health impacts of isolation and reduce the stigma felt by many living socially disconnected lives. This article will summarize the methodological process used in developing a cohesive, multi-sector collective impact coalition, as well as examine the limitations and future directions for this initiative.

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