The Impact of Peer Mentoring on Loneliness, Depression, and Social Engagement in Long-Term Care.

Loneliness, depression, and social isolation are common among people living in long-term care homes, despite the activities provided. We examined the impact of a new peer mentoring program called Java Mentorship on mentees' loneliness, depression, and social engagement, and described their perceptions of the visits. We conducted a mixed-methods approach in 10 homes in Ontario, Canada, and enrolled residents as mentees ( = 74). We used quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to understand their experience. After 6 months, mentees ( = 43) showed a 30% reduction in depression ( = .02, = .76), a 12% reduction in loneliness ( = .02, = .76), and a 60% increase in the number of monthly programs attended ( = .01, = .37), with small-to-medium effect sizes. The analysis of mentee's interviews revealed positive perceptions. This program offers an innovative, nonpharmacological alternative to the treatment of loneliness and depression.