Table 1 Characteristics of Volunteer Companions and Accompanied Persons
From: Can volunteer medical visit companions support older adults in the United States?
Volunteer Companions N = 15 | Accompanied Persons N = 14 | |
|---|---|---|
Age (years), mean (SD) | 72 (5.9) | 76 (7.0) |
Race, n (%) | ||
African American | 1 (6.7) | 3 (21.4) |
Caucasian | 14 (93.3) | 10 (71.4) |
Asian | 0 (0.0) | 1 (7.1) |
Gender, n (%) | ||
Female | 11 (73.3) | 12 (85.7) |
Rides provided in last 3 months, n (%) | ||
1–3 | 0 (0.0) | 2 (15.4) |
4–7 | 1 (6.7) | 5 (38.5) |
More than 8 | 14 (93.3) | 6 (46.2) |
Ride location, n (%) | ||
Primary Care Doctor | 5 (27.8) | 4 (22.2) |
Specialist | 8 (44.4) | 7 (38.9) |
Other healthcare appointment (e.g. laboratory) | 4 (22.2) | 2 (11.1) |
Other places (pharmacy) | 1 (5.6) | 1 (5.6) |
Education, n (%) | ||
HS or less | 0 (0.0) | 5 (35.7) |
Bachelor’s or less | 9 (60.0) | 8 (57.1) |
Higher degree | 6 (40.0) | 1 (7.1) |
Relationship status, n (%) | ||
Single | 1 (6.7) | 1 (7.1) |
Married | 8 (53.3) | 0 (0.0) |
Separated/divorced | 4 (26.7) | 5 (35.7) |
Widowed | 2 (13.3) | 8 (57.1) |
Employment, n (%) | ||
Part-time | 2 (13.3) | 0 (0.0) |
Receiving disability | 0 (0.0) | 2 (14.3) |
Retired | 12 (80) | 12 (85.7) |
Not currently employed | 1 (6.7) | 0 (0.0) |
Household income, n (%) | ||
Less than 50,000 | 3 (20.0) | 13 (92.9) |
$50,000 - $100,000 | 7 (46.7) | 0 (0.0) |
$100,000 + | 3 (20.0) | 0 (0.0) |
Prefer not to answer | 5 (33.3) | 1 (7.1) |