Using Technology Towards Effective Self-management Of Fall Risk In Older Adults
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$463,652.00
Summary
Our society’s population is ageing rapidly. Accidental falls are a major contributor to the burden of disease in older people and a major public health problem. In my research program, I use technology to find feasible solutions to deliver complex tailored interventions to prevent falls and support healthy ageing through self-management. My approach has potential to have major, lasting public health benefits by reducing falls and advancing healthy ageing at a low cost for the health care sector.
Fall Prevention In Older People And Those With Neurodegenerative Disorders
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$938,910.00
Summary
Falls are a major heath care problem for older people and clinical groups. This program of research will improve fall risk assessments and design and evaluate promising strategies for improving balance control and preventing falls in these groups.
Optimising Functional Independence Of Older Persons With Dementia: Implementation And Evaluation Of The Interdisciplinary Home-bAsed Reablement Program (I-HARP)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,864,345.00
Summary
We propose to trial a practical, evidence based model, called the Interdisciplinary Home-bAsed Reablement Program, I-HARP, designed to improve functional independence of community dwelling older people with dementia. I-HARP will be implemented and evaluated, for its effectiveness and implementation outcomes in two different settings of hospital and community aged care. Ultimately, the program will help them live well and stay at home, while delaying entry into higher home or residential care.
This research program is aimed at finding effective prevention strategies for the important issue of falls in older people. It will: a) conduct studies to improve our understanding of fall risk in people with Parkinson’s disease and dementia; b) undertake a study to improve our management of dizziness; c) seek treatments for fear of falling, and d) evaluate home exercise interventions for older people at risk of falls and strength and cued walking training for people with Parkinson’s disease.
Innovative Interventions To Improve Quality Of Life In Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$426,556.00
Summary
This fellowship aims to develop innovative interventions to improve quality of life for people living with dementia. Projects include a dance program for people with moderate dementia living in residential care, an intergenerational program involving pre-schoolers and people with dementia, a culture change program in residential care, and an online program to support carers of people with dementia.
Reducing The Use Of Sedative Medication In Aged Care Facilities (Implementation Of The ‘RedUSe’ Project Into Everyday Practice)
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$174,107.00
Summary
Sedative medications are often used in aged care facilities (ACFs), despite limited benefit and significant harm, including increased risk of falls, stroke and death. The RedUSe program, through a multi-strategic, interdisciplinary approach, has been shown to successfully promote the quality use of sedative medications in residential aged care. This project will widely implement RedUSe. A decline in sedative use will produce multiple benefits for older people, including increased mobility, decre ....Sedative medications are often used in aged care facilities (ACFs), despite limited benefit and significant harm, including increased risk of falls, stroke and death. The RedUSe program, through a multi-strategic, interdisciplinary approach, has been shown to successfully promote the quality use of sedative medications in residential aged care. This project will widely implement RedUSe. A decline in sedative use will produce multiple benefits for older people, including increased mobility, decreased fall and mortality rates.Read moreRead less
Innovative Approaches To Implement Falls Prevention Strategies In Older People
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$408,388.00
Summary
The overall aim is to reduce the number of falls and improve the quality of life of older citizens while containing the burden on carers and on the healthcare system. The project will combine research and technology, by partnering with Philips Research. It will follow three main streams, i.e. translation into practice using an “Information and Communication Technology” (ICT) approach, and finally implementation and dissemination.
A Randomised Cross-over Trial Of Family-mediated Personalised Activities For Nursing Home Residents With Dementia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Summary
While the cognitive, functional and behavioural changes in people with dementia are without doubt stressful for family carers, it may be that the loss of the relationship underlies the burden and feelings of depression that many carers experience. Typically, interventions to alleviate carer stress separate the carer from their relative instead of focusing on improving their relationship. This project aims to train carers to conduct personalised one-to-one activities with their relative.
A Randomised Controlled Trial Of Dizziness Interventions Based On A Multidisciplinary Assessment In Older People: Towards The Development Of A Multiple Profile Assessment Of Dizziness – The MPA-D
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$617,656.00
Summary
Dizziness is highly prevalent among older people and often leads to functional disability and psychological distress. However, it is not well understood and is consequently often unresolved, ill-diagnosed, and inappropriately treated. This research will investigate whether a multidisciplinary assessment and intervention can reduce reported dizziness and improve quality of life in older people, to ultimately develop a validated assessment tool for providing a differential diagnosis of dizziness.