Thriving in Place Case Study: Reducing Social Isolation in Maine

For older adults, social isolation and loneliness can be a predictor of poor health, especially depression, other mood disorders, anxiety, and alcohol and drug abuse. This case study examines the efforts of four Thriving in Place (TiP) communities during their first year of implementation (November 1, 2014-October 31, 2015) to examine and reduce social isolation among older Mainers. The study is based on interviews with key partners, volunteers, and participants, site visits, and observation of collaborative phone calls among the four grantees.

MeHAF’s TiP initiative supports community-based, cross-sector collaboration among health care, social services, community supports, and volunteer networks to improve and enhance services for adults with chronic health conditions and/or disabilities to keep them in their homes and communities.