Enhancing moral care and quality of life in people with dementia. This research explores largely unknown quality of life experiences of persons living with dementia in residential aged care, and therefore factors that may promote well being, longevity, meaning, family and social coherence. The research will result in new knowledge for a model of care that is truly person-centred and will inform health, ageing and education policy, as well as an enlarged and clearer role function for caregivers. ....Enhancing moral care and quality of life in people with dementia. This research explores largely unknown quality of life experiences of persons living with dementia in residential aged care, and therefore factors that may promote well being, longevity, meaning, family and social coherence. The research will result in new knowledge for a model of care that is truly person-centred and will inform health, ageing and education policy, as well as an enlarged and clearer role function for caregivers. The solution focused model of dementia care is likely to also have positive effects on staff satisfaction and result in improved recruitment and retention. Read moreRead less
A compartive study of an education intervention to promote family involvement in residential dementia care. This study aims to test a collaborative model of care for nursing home residents with irreversible dementias. The Family involvement in care (FIC) model aims for family caregiver(s) and nurses to participate in ongoing negotiation and establishment of a partnership of cooperative role relationships. The intervention aims to reduce stressors for family and staff caregivers along the course ....A compartive study of an education intervention to promote family involvement in residential dementia care. This study aims to test a collaborative model of care for nursing home residents with irreversible dementias. The Family involvement in care (FIC) model aims for family caregiver(s) and nurses to participate in ongoing negotiation and establishment of a partnership of cooperative role relationships. The intervention aims to reduce stressors for family and staff caregivers along the course of the deteriorating dementing illness, and to illuminate nursing interventions that relieve stress and increase positive attitudes. The research has the potential to inform evidence-based dementia care and to improve staff retention.Read moreRead less
Improving Health and Quality of Life with Improved Nutrition in Residential Care Establishments. Inadequate nutrition is a serious issue in residential care establishments. Poor intake of vitamins and minerals is associated with impaired healing, reduced immune function, and reduction in physical and mental capacity. Lack of food choice and access to suitable nutrient-dense foods all contribute to inadequate energy and protein, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. Our industry partners will ....Improving Health and Quality of Life with Improved Nutrition in Residential Care Establishments. Inadequate nutrition is a serious issue in residential care establishments. Poor intake of vitamins and minerals is associated with impaired healing, reduced immune function, and reduction in physical and mental capacity. Lack of food choice and access to suitable nutrient-dense foods all contribute to inadequate energy and protein, leading to weight loss and malnutrition. Our industry partners will work with us to enhance the nutrient density of suitable foods. We will establish the efficacy of foods and supplements and develop strategies to implement a sustainable nutrition-enhancing program that can be introduced to improve health in residential care establishments throughout Australia.Read moreRead less
Finding meaning in the experience of dementia: The place of spiritual reminiscence work. This project will use spiritual reminiscence work to study the experience of dementia and the spiritual dimension focussing on how people with dementia find meaning and develop coping strategies. Dementia is a significant issue for an ageing society where estimates of prevalence indicate a rise of 254% from 1995-2041. The greatest challenge to people diagnosed with dementia is their search for meaning lead ....Finding meaning in the experience of dementia: The place of spiritual reminiscence work. This project will use spiritual reminiscence work to study the experience of dementia and the spiritual dimension focussing on how people with dementia find meaning and develop coping strategies. Dementia is a significant issue for an ageing society where estimates of prevalence indicate a rise of 254% from 1995-2041. The greatest challenge to people diagnosed with dementia is their search for meaning leading to the development of effective coping strategies as their memory loss and confusion progresses. Outcomes will impact on persons with dementia, staff and carers, with improved quality of life for allRead moreRead less
Optimising the residential and community aged care workforce: the evidence-based development of clinical leadership in middle managers in aged care. 1.4% of the Australian workforce is employed in the aged care sector, making a significant contribution to the economy. This study provides evidence-based tools to build management capacity and leadership in aged care, which in turn will improve the quality and effectiveness of the care that has a crucial bearing on the lives of vulnerable older peo ....Optimising the residential and community aged care workforce: the evidence-based development of clinical leadership in middle managers in aged care. 1.4% of the Australian workforce is employed in the aged care sector, making a significant contribution to the economy. This study provides evidence-based tools to build management capacity and leadership in aged care, which in turn will improve the quality and effectiveness of the care that has a crucial bearing on the lives of vulnerable older people in community and residential care. The findings will identify ways to improve aged care workforce retention; and enhance key factors leading to quality care and improved well being of care staff and recipients. This knowledge will contribute to improving the status of aged care related employment; and yield future policy directions that promote effective clinical leadership in aged care. Read moreRead less