Developing and Testing Training Resources to Improve Social Connectedness With Homebound Older Adults Who Receive Home-Delivered Meals

Top Things to Know

Home-delivered meals offer a critical opportunity to address loneliness and social isolation, which are linked to poor health outcomes.

Equipping drivers with skills to recognize and respond to social isolation increases their confidence and intention to connect with clients.

By embedding social connection training into existing food delivery infrastructure, programs can reach vulnerable, homebound populations with minimal additional cost.

Summary of Conclusion/Findings

This study used a three-phase human-centered design approach to develop and evaluate training resources aimed at reducing social isolation among homebound older adults receiving home-delivered meals. The intervention included a short video and website designed to increase meal-delivery drivers’ behavioral intention to engage in meaningful conversations with their clients. A pre/post survey of 94 drivers across three states showed statistically significant improvements in drivers’ self-reported intention to connect socially with clients, as well as increases in knowledge, self-efficacy, and perceived importance of their role. Over 84% of participants found the resources helpful, and 92.6% supported implementing such training for new drivers. Qualitative feedback emphasized the importance of realistic portrayals, practical conversation strategies, and the emotional impact of social connection. The study demonstrates that simple, scalable training can empower frontline food service workers to address social isolation; a key social determinant of health.