Vet to Vet Maine: A Pilot Study Measuring Effectiveness of a Veteran Companion Program in Reducing Social Isolation and Loneliness

Abstract: Maine veterans represent 11.8% of Maine’s population, twice that of the United States. Veterans are at risk for social isolation, loneliness, and suicide. This pilot study assessed (a) the Vet to Vet (Vet2Vet) Maine program mission to reduce veterans’ social isolation and loneliness; and (b) effects of the program on care-partners. Mixed-methods research spanned 6-months from 2019–2020. Trained older Veteran Volunteers-VV (eight men/two women) were paired with older Veteran Friends-VF (eight men/two women); also Veteran Friend’s Care-Partners-CP (one man/three women) participated. VVs completed pre/post Veteran Rand 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). VFs completed pre/post VR-12, PHQ-9, and Late Onset Stress Symptomatology (LOSS) Short-Form. CPs completed pre/post Zarit Burden Interview-22. After 6-months, VV and VF qualitative interviews were conducted in pairs; CPs were interviewed individually. Data (pre/post assessments) were analyzed with the Wilcoxon-Sign-Test and NVivo 12+ Qualitative Software. Pre/post data failed to exhibit significance (p =. 05); however, trends supported mental/physical health scores improvements for VFs. COVID-19 was a confounding variable as state stay-at-home orders occurred at the study mid-point. Four qualitative themes were selected: (a) Veteran Volunteers and Veteran Friends; (b) Effects of COVID; (c) Care-Partners; and (d) Three-Words. Despite differences in interests or military background, VV and VFs valued their commonality as veterans. CPs confirmed the importance and benefits of these relationships. All requested an expansion of the program as it was deemed highly valuable. The Vet to Vet Maine companion program pilot research successfully paired veterans fostering companionship, friendships, mentoring, assisting with benefits, and supporting independence.