Volunteers of Third Sector Organizations in supporting older adults in the transition from hospital to home: A comparative case study

ABSTRACT Introduction With increasing attention to models of transitional support delivered through multisectoral approaches, third sector organizations have supported community reintegration and independent living post hospitalization. This study aimed to identify core elements of these programs, facilitators and barriers to service implementation, and to understand the perspectives of providers and recipients. Methods and Analysis A comparative case study was conducted, collecting data from two ‘Home from Hospital’ programs in the UK, and two transition support programs in Canada. An inductive thematic analysis generated rich descriptions of each program, and comparative analytical activities generated insights across the cases. Results Programs provided a range of personalized support for older adults and address many post-discharge needs, including wellbeing assessments, support for instrumental activities of daily living, psychosocial support, and other individualized services directed by the needs and preferences of the service user. Results suggest that these types of programs can act as a ‘safety net’ and promote independent living. Skilled volunteers can positively impact older adults’ experience returning home. Conclusions When the programs under study are considered in tandem with existing evidence, it facilitates a discussion of how TSO services could be made available more widely to support older adults in their transition experiences.