"Designing Three Levels of Intervention" #2

Mr. Groff is 93 and living alone in his home. He only stopped driving last year. He would like to get out more, perhaps go to the senior citizen's center. In addition, he would like to go to the Lions Club and to participate in a foreign policy club he belonged to for years. He tells you sadly that the members of the foreign policy club always seemed amazed at the reading he had done and the sound opinions he expressed, "as though I should be senile!" Since he stopped driving, he has lost contact with them. Right now he sees no reason to go to a nursing home and feels that if he had transportation he could continue to buy his groceries, prepare his meals, and care for himself generally. He tells you, however, that he would like to find a way to be less lonely.

Intervention on the micro level: Mr. Groff is very motivated in wanting to keep his mind active with others discussing subjects that interest him socially. I think he would bring a lot of history to younger generations. I would look into volunteers that would be willing to drive him to places.I would contact the Lions Club to find out if someone would be willing to pick him up for the meetings.

Intervention on the mezzo level:Introduce him to the senior center for possible other activities and other people to socialize with. He may find other groups to join that he would feel part of. His loneliness would go away possibly then too.

Intervention on the macro level: He may have stories to tell to children in schools. They may gain some valuable knowledge from listening to him. Introduce him to history teachers in the surrounding schools if he is interested in sharing.