Socialization Study
Evaluating Social Connection Programs: Friendly Calling and Visiting Quantitative Pilot Study was produced by Meals on Wheels America and externally evaluated by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith, with funding from Caesars Foundation.
Our longest-standing corporate partner, Caesars Foundation, has been helping Meals on Wheels improve the lives of homebound seniors since 2002. Grounded in trust and a willingness to invest where the need is greatest, the Foundation has evolved our partnership over time, finding new ways to give back in support of aging neighbors:
- Donating 62 meal delivery vehicles in communities all across the country
- Investing in practical, scalable, local solutions to take more seniors off waitlists
- Inspiring employees to volunteer with local Meals on Wheels providers
- Inviting casino guests to donate their change when they cash out their winnings
- Funding a study that tested and proved the efficacy of friendly calls and visits with seniors
- Underwriting a “social connections” video that raised awareness of loneliness among seniors
Caesars Foundation’s impact has been broad. Its donated vehicles have delivered countless meals. Its financial donations have funded thousands of hours of volunteer visits and conversations with seniors. Investments in community-based solutions have empowered local providers to innovate and expand services. And the research it helped fund has demonstrated the measurable impact Meals on Wheels has on seniors’ lives.
A Friendly Visit Can Change Everything
Many older adults spend days — or even weeks — without meaningful social interaction. For seniors like Patsy, Meals on Wheels delivers not only nutritious meals, but also companionship and connection. Learn how these visits help reduce isolation and remind older adults that they are never alone.
