An Intergenerational Functional Hand Training Program for Older Adults: Program Description for Hands and Health at Home

We recently demonstrated the feasibility of delivering functional hand training using an intergenerational model. The purpose of this study was to describe the updated methodology for Hands and Health at Home. Pre-health students were trained to deliver 8 weeks of functional hand training to local Meals on Wheels clients. Clients completed standardized measures of hand function before and after the program and both groups completed surveys which measured several aspects of psychosocial well-being. To date, three cohorts of students and clients have completed the program utilizing the updated methodology. Across three cohorts, client/student pairs completed an average of 86% of student-led sessions and reported high satisfaction with the program. This intergenerational program presents the opportunity to improve hand function and provide social interactions for homebound older adults, hands-on learning for students, and a framework for others seeking to implement intergenerational community-based programming in the university setting.