VOLunteers in Preventing Elderly and Chronic Illness Loneliness

The main objective of the project was to develop a specialized curriculum for volunteers, building on the foundations laid by the Digi-Ageing project (coordinated by Hafelekar). The existing curri...

The main objective of the project was to develop a specialized curriculum for volunteers, building on the foundations laid by the Digi-Ageing project (coordinated by Hafelekar). The existing curriculum was therefore adapted to meet the needs of both volunteers and coordinators. This involved emphasizing information on chronic illnesses and incorporating the use of reminiscence tools to facilitate meaningful connections with a broader group of beneficiaries: elderly individuals and chronically ill people struggling with loneliness. Another key project goal was to design a 16-hour blended learning program specifically tailored for volunteers. This shift in focus from the previous emphasis on certified nurses in vocational education and training aimed to enhance volunteers' ability to build relationships with the elderly and those affected by chronic illnesses. Volunteers were also equipped with essential skills to use digital tools for diagnosis and intervention, enabling the timely identification of loneliness among beneficiaries.

The main activities implemented in the project were: 1. Training program for volunteers (Italian and Austrian) – This allowed volunteers to build deeper connections with a broader group of beneficiaries, not limited to the elderly but also including people with chronic illnesses. The aim was to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, thereby enriching their quality of life. 2. Network expansion and awareness-raising – Building on the Digi-Ageing project’s network, volunteers were actively integrated, fostering a motivated community committed to mitigating loneliness through awareness campaigns and information dissemination. 3. Training on reminiscence tools – Volunteers (and their associations) were trained in the use of reminiscence tools (memories), facilitating empathy and fostering deeper connections through storytelling and shared experiences. 4. Dissemination of information on chronic illnesses – Volunteers were equipped with comprehensive knowledge of chronic diseases, enabling them to establish informed and effective relationships with individuals affected by these conditions.

1.Curriculum and a “Open Educational Resource” (OER) – We developed digital educational content, hosting on the project’s website/platform a framework outlining the role of volunteers in supporting elderly people. Additionally, we translated all materials into three languages (English, Italian, and German). 2.Sustainable implementation and dissemination – We carried out various activities to ensure sustainable implementation and wide dissemination, particularly through the large-scale rollout of the training program in both participating countries. 3.Research and content adaptation – Starting from the kick-off meeting and mobility event in Italy, we conducted extensive research and adapted the content. Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of existing tools, we gathered feedback from potential beneficiaries and tailored the materials (in three languages) to their specific needs. 4.Pilot implementation and feedback analysis – We carried out a pilot phase and analyzed feedback through training sessions, including a transnational event hosted in Vicenza with Italian and Austrian volunteers. Following this, we collected and examined feedback, making necessary adjustments based on participants’ comments/contributions.