The SCP Independent Living Pilot/Feasibility Study consisted of a cross-sectional and a pilot pre/post survey. The cross-sectional survey was designed to provide information on the demographic characteristics of adults receiving independent living services from a Senior Companion and to measure the feasibility of assessing program impact on self-efficacy, life satisfaction, and social and emotional benefits. In addition, the pre/post pilot survey was comprised of a small sample of new clients enrolled in the study when they applied for Senior Companion services in order to assess the feasibility of conducting a longitudinal study of the impact of SCP services on caregivers.
Findings from the cross-sectional survey shows: The beneficiaries of CNCS-supported Senior Companion services are primarily female and racially diverse. The majority (83%) of clients have income level below $20,000 per year; Clients gave high ratings to their overall satisfaction with the Senior Companion program; More than two-thirds of clients were diagnosed with two to four medical conditions.