Supporting Older Adults Remotely (SOAR): Protocol for a Type 1 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Randomized Controlled Trial of a Certified Older Adult Peer Specialist Intervention

The Supporting Older Adults Remotely (SOAR) study is a randomized controlled trial evaluating a 12-week, telephone-delivered peer support intervention for adults age 50 and older with serious mental illness who live in supportive housing. SOAR is designed to support aging in place and improve independent living skills through structured peer support focused on medication adherence, medical and psychiatric self-management, coping, goal setting, healthcare navigation, social relationships, self-advocacy, and connection to community resources. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either SOAR or Peer Support as Usual. Participants will complete assessments at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months. The study will also examine factors that may help or hinder implementation and sustainability of SOAR in supportive housing.