Research Projects
- In 2023-24, 9 active projects, 3 of which are new applications, 1 which is continued from 2022-23, and five around continued from previous years. The most common topics include fall prevention, mental health, LGBTQ and allyship, and technology.
- Northwood is hosting its 12th annual research symposium, the keynote speaker is Dr. Barbara Hamilton-Hinch who will speak about Healthcare in Marginalized Populations. Our panel will include experts on the topics of MAiD, End of Life, and Palliative Care research. Lastly, we will have presentations on topics such as Violence against Women, Building a Resilient Workforce, and Barriers and Facilitators of Food Intake in Long-Term Care Homes, to name a few.
- Northwood is apart of 2 projects involving innovative products/technologies.
- Action Independent Mobility; Raymex Lift
- Care Insights; Data Utilization Software
- There has been eight Northwood Collaborated Publications, some examples include:
- Giosa JL, Kalles E, McAiney C, Oelke ND, Aubrecht K, McNeil H, Habib-Perez O, Holyoke P. Co-designing action-oriented mental health conversations between care providers and ageing Canadians in the community: a participatory mixed-methods study protocol. BMJ Open. 2024 Jan 31;14(1):e079653. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079653. PMID: 38296303; PMCID: PMC10831463.
- Spring, L., Funk, L., Kuryk, K., Warner, G., Macdonald, M., Burke, R., & Keefe, J. M. (2024). Person-Centered Home Care: Exploring Worker-Client Relationships Using an Intersectional and Critical Disability Framework. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 43(1), 101-109. https://doi.org/10.1177/07334648231201837
- Kuryk K, Funk LM, Warner G, et al. Ageing in place with non-medical home support services need not translate into dependence. Ageing and Society. Published online 2023:1-26. doi:10.1017/S0144686X23000478
On-going projects
Identified goals for rehabilitation of long-term care residents with dementia: a qualitative study
UVC Light
The goal of this research study is to address whether far-UVC light reduces the incidence of influenza-like illnesses, respiratory illnesses, and COVID-19 infections in long-term care facilities. The two long-term care facilities involved in the study are Northwood’s Halifax Campus and Windsor Elms.
The primary study objectives are:
To determine whether far-UVC light causes a reduction in the incidence of influenza-like illnesses, respiratory infections, and COVID-19 infections, among residents in long term care facilities.
To determine whether using far-UVC light increases the incidence of erythema and photokeratitis among residents and staff in long-term care facilities.
With these objectives in mind and knowing that age-related factors result in serious respiratory infections, hospitalizations, and greater mortality, the researchers seek to enhance public health measures in long term care in the simplest most sustainable way.
SMARTech
LivMoreSMARTech is a real-world transdisciplinary research partnership led by Dalhousie University and Northwood. National and international academic, not-for-profit and industry leaders, together with older adult advisors, are exploring how SMART technology might improve health and well-being for people living in long-term care and receiving home care. We seek to understand the experiences, needs, and desires for well-being among this group of older adults aging with disability. As we build and test a new SMARTech Service that combines customized SMART technology, person-centred assessment and powerful data analytics with rehabilitation supports, we seek to enhance autonomy, independence, and well-being for these individuals. We also want to understand the impact of this Service on these older adults, their caregivers, and care delivery.
ACTing Collective
Community-level data is needed to evaluate and monitor the health and wellbeing of aging adults and the communities in which they live. This is critical for developing policies and programs that support aging well in communities. The ACTing Collectively research project will pilot an innovative approach to gathering data on the needs of, and available resources for, community-living older adults to age well in communities. The project’s focus on aging well in communities addresses the Nova Scotia Health Research Fund priority of aging and continuing care, and supports Nova Scotia Health’s strategic vision of Healthy people, healthy communities – for generations. This project also aligns with Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care’s Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, which aims to help Nova Scotians stay active, healthy, and engaged in communities.
