In Canada, the proportion of older adults (under 65 years of age) will rise from 12% to 25% in 50 years, with 85 percent of seniors having more than one chronic condition.This changing demographic will require an adaptation of current care delivery, the integration of research, and creative innovative solutions to improve and transform the current continuing care system. In our 2015-2018 strategic plan, The Brenda Strafford Foundation identified “enhancing the integration of research, education and clinical practice” as one of the main strategic goals. Furthermore, a commitment to innovation and research is represented in our mission, vision, and values with the ultimate goal to advance the quality of life for those we serve.
The Brenda Strafford Foundation has identified three vectors for the Research and Innovation Department:
The research and innovation sub-category includes any projects that follow a specified research design. Research projects are rigorous and conducted in collaboration with external research partners and associates.
The research and innovation subcategory are projects at a smaller scale than research and are managed internally.
The quality improvement initiative subcategory are projects which encompass initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life.
At The Brenda Strafford Foundation, five Research Themes have been identified as areas of focus for our research programs.
Focuses on generating new knowledge to improve the quality of life of residents living with dementia. Research on service models, risk reduction strategies, and care plans will be pursued to address gaps in care for all stages of dementia (early-late). Incorporating evidence-informed strategies that improve the experiences and quality of care for residents and caregivers will be central to this theme.
Targets research and innovation opportunities that advance technology and enable design thinking to contribute to health aging, increasing safety and improving the quality of life of older adults. Examining service delivery design, team composition and optimizing workflow processes to maximize time for care for residents are central components of this theme.
Explores the movement across the continuum of care for older adults with the primary goal to improve safety. Inefficient transitions of care present a risk for miscommunication, medical errors, duplication of services, and discontinuity of care. Exploring alternative solutions and service models to overcome these barriers would be the key areas of focus in this platform.
Centered on understanding the social needs of older adults including those living with early to late stage dementia. Determining different modes of social engagement, mechanisms to promote social engagement and specifically the impact of social factors on improved outcomes are central areas in this platform.
Encompasses falls research which aims to examine new and innovative environmental and technological solutions to predict, prevent, and decrease the number of falls and hospitalizations due to falls in a long term care and supportive living setting.
