Goal-Setting among Older Adults in Vermont, a Mixed-Methods Approach

Conference Year

January 2020

Abstract

As a volunteer at Support and Services at Home (SASH) in Vermont since June 2019, I did community-based participatory research on how participants and staff in the SASH program think about healthy living plans, what their perceived benefits of healthy living plans are, and how older adults can be best supported in this process. SASH is an organization that helps older adults in Vermont to live independently at home by providing social, wellness services, and affordable housing. Research was conducted predominantly in Chittenden County of Vermont, although SASH as a program does work state-wide. Research subjects were SASH participants between the ages of 55-95 and SASH staff members (Coordinators and Wellness Nurses). Data collection methods were in the form of two surveys (one for participants, one for staff) and informal interviews with both populations.

Primary Faculty Mentor Name

Jeanne L. Shea

Status

Undergraduate

Student College

College of Arts and Sciences

Program/Major

Anthropology

Primary Research Category

Social Sciences

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Goal-Setting among Older Adults in Vermont, a Mixed-Methods Approach

As a volunteer at Support and Services at Home (SASH) in Vermont since June 2019, I did community-based participatory research on how participants and staff in the SASH program think about healthy living plans, what their perceived benefits of healthy living plans are, and how older adults can be best supported in this process. SASH is an organization that helps older adults in Vermont to live independently at home by providing social, wellness services, and affordable housing. Research was conducted predominantly in Chittenden County of Vermont, although SASH as a program does work state-wide. Research subjects were SASH participants between the ages of 55-95 and SASH staff members (Coordinators and Wellness Nurses). Data collection methods were in the form of two surveys (one for participants, one for staff) and informal interviews with both populations.