ENHANCING LIFE AND CARE OF OLDER ADULTS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS IN RESEARCH EDUCATION AND PRACTICE.

摘要

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA), Waterloo, Canada, has a distributed network across Ontario of 16 continuum of care Villages housing over 3,000 residents. Emphasis is placed on learning, research, and innovation in long-term care and retirement through research-informed practice change and innovation in workforce preparedness. The newest Village is contiguous with a 30,000 sq.ft. research building (RIA) as part of a unique Centre of Excellence. The magic of this infrastructure is that it brings potential front-line workers in contact with university students, researchers, and labs, and provides an opportunity to mingle with the residents of the Village (Living Classroom). In response to the aging demographic and a resource-limited system, the RIA is a catalyst for the development and spread of innovation that enhances the quality of life and care for older adults.