Current Projects

Current Projects – August 2023

The Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care provides residents, tenants, families, caregivers and staff the opportunity to become involved in a variety of innovative projects and initiatives. This creates opportunities to engage in meaningful social and recreational activities such as learning a new skill, sharing experiences, and providing input on various issues. Participation also helps contribute to knowledge that can help improve care.

All projects follow public health measures related to COVID-19 and the policies set out by Perley Health.

Below is a list of ongoing projects that the Centre of Excellence is involved with, many of which are seeking participants:

Making “nonessential” Family Caregiving Essential in Long-Term Care Homes

Principal Investigator: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa

This study aims to gain a better understanding of the response to COVID-19 that pertains to family caregiver presence in LTC and increase the evidence about the impact of reduced levels of family caregivers on residents and their family caregivers. This project involves in-person or virtual interviews with staff, family/ friend caregivers, formal volunteers, and residents to examine the impact of the restrictions on caregivers and residents. The data gained from this project can help improve the current COVID-19 situation in addition to improving pandemic preparedness for LTC homes during future outbreaks. Recruitment of family/friend caregivers, formal volunteers, staff, and residents is complete.

EntourAGE - Social Inclusion of People Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers Using an Intergenerational Program

Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa; Dr. Linda Garcia, Faculty of Health Sciences, LIFE Research Institute, University of Ottawa

EntourAGE is a person-centered intergenerational volunteer program where individuals living with dementia can receive friendly one-on-one visits with high school, college and university students, called “Companions”. Participants in the program enjoy engaging in social and recreational activities with their companions. The program is being implemented in four different settings, one of them being long-term care homes.

Testing Online Meaning-Centered Groups (OMG) in Promoting Psychological Well-Being and Reducing Distress in Ontario Retirement Home Residents

Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Marnin Heisel, Psychiatry, Epidemiology & Biostatistics Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Lawson Health Research Institute; Danielle Sinden, Director, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health

Adults over age 60 who live in Ontario and feel lonely, socially isolated or stressed will participate in an online peer support group that promotes social connection and emotional health and well-being, and explores meaning in life. Participants will engage in a series of eight weekly discussions of 75–90 each alongside their peers, led by two trained facilitators.

Peer Mentorship Program

Principal Investigator: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa

The Java Music Club is a research-based peer support group that involves Perley Health volunteers, and tenants and aims to reduce social isolation. Participants engage in various activities, such as discussing photographs, listening to music and reading articles. The sessions create a safe environment for participants to support one another by sharing stories and experiences. The goal is to inspire tenants to derive a sense of purpose and meaning from helping other tenants.

Dexamethasone as a Treatment for Older Adults in LTC with COVID-19

Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Amy Hsu, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Bruyère Research Institute, and Dr. Benoît Robert, Chief Medical Officer, Perley Health

Dexamathasone is a corticosteroid often used to treat COVID-19 patients. This project will use provincial health data to examine the administration and effectiveness of dexamethasone on symptom severity and mortality rates, along with healthcare outcomes (e.g., rates of hospitalization, use of mechanical ventilation) in residents of LTC homes in Ontario.

Program to Accelerate Technologies for Homecare (PATH)

Co-Principal Investigators, Ottawa site: Dr. Jeffrey Jutai, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa; Dr. Jason Millar, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Ottawa. Perley Health Site Lead: Danielle Sinden, Director, Centre of Excellence in Frailty- Informed Care™, Perley Health

PATH is a multi-partner initiative studying the potential role that home-based technologies can play in the care and well-being of older adults. Through multiple studies, groups of older adults will interact with various devices and technologies. Researchers will analyze and share study data with industry to test, validate and potentially commercialize technology products designed for older adults.

Health Surveillance of Community-Dwelling, Person-with-Dementia and Caregiver Dyads

This project aims to increase understanding of the joint trajectories of individuals living with dementia and their caregivers (dyads) to help better identify their needs across the dementia journey. Information will be collected from dyads over extended periods of time and the results used to develop a linked longitudinal database of persons living with dementia and their care partners using de-identified pan-Canadian primary care electronic medical record (EMR) data to better inform policies, programs and areas of future research in Canada.

Supporting Preferences of Older Veterans and Families in Later Life

Principal Investigator: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa

This project examines the health and well-being of older Veterans and their families both over time and across various settings. This study uses the implementation science to assess the needs of older Veterans and their families, and to evaluate the implementation, adoption, effectiveness, and sustainability of programs and policies for older Veterans and their families across settings. Furthermore, by analyzing administrative and population-level data, this research study examines the trajectories and transitions of older Veterans and identifies biopsychosocial determinants of health impacting their journey over time and across settings.

Pilot Implementation of the ARMM device in LTC

Principal Investigator: Dr. Mirou Jaana, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa. Perley Health Site Lead: Danielle Sinden, Director, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health

This project examines a pilot implementation of the ambulation, mobility, retraining and mobility mechanism (ARMM) device at Perley Health and how it impacts the workflow of physiotherapists. The study will explore the early stages of pre-implementation and map the workflow of physiotherapists. Residents and physiotherapists will share their feedback via survey and interview.

Evaluation of an Arts Program for Veterans in the Community

This research examines the experiences of tenants and facilitators in an arts program for Veterans living in the community. Tenants of Perley Health’s independent-living apartments who have attended a weekly arts program will be asked to participate in a focus group and to share their views about the program. Facilitators of the arts program will also be asked to share their perspectives through interviews, particularly about the program’s strengths and weaknesses. The feedback will inform improvements to the arts program and the development of other programs.

Exploring the Experiences of Veteran Long-Term Care Residents with Arts-Based Programs

This project explores the experiences of Veteran LTC residents participating in the Ozerdinc-Grimes Family Therapeutic Recreation and Creative Arts Program. The study involves one-on-one interviews with Veterans who participate in the Program, along with their families and/or caregivers, staff and volunteers.

Design and Implementation of a Nurse Mentorship Program in LTC

Investigators: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa; Michaela Adams, Research Associate, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health; Daniela Acosta, Manager of Education and Knowledge Translation, Perley Health; Yetunde Temi Adegbunrin, Collaborative Practice Leader, Perley Health

This study explores the experiences of newly hired nurses and their mentors following their participation in a peer mentorship program at Perley Health. To evaluate the program, newly hired nurses (mentees) and experienced nurses (mentors) complete a one-time survey at the end of the program.

Paxlovid Case Analysis

Principal Investigator: Dr. Benoît Robert, Chief Medical Officer, Perley Health and Dr. Amy Hsu, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Bruyère Research Institute

Paxlovid is an antiviral drug used to treat COVID-19. The study compares the effects and health outcomes of LTC residents with COVID-19 treated with Paxlovid to those treated with other antivirals. Mortality and hospitalization rates will be evaluated and the results will be used to inform future research into the treatment of COVID-19 among LTC residents.

Knowing the Story of a Residents Life

Principal Investigator: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of

Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa

This study explores the various ways that LTC staff across Canada learn the life stories of residents. Through a one-time online survey, staff and caregivers of LTC homes will be encouraged to share their strategies for getting to know residents and their families.

Promoting Health and Well-being with a 12-week Multi-Component Program for Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care Homes

Principal Investigator: Dr. Suey Yeung, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health

Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa; Danielle Sinden, Director, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health

This study explores the impact of a multi-component program on the physical function, cognitive function, nutritional status, and quality of life of LTC residents of Perley Health. Eligible residents will engage in physical exercise and brain exercise in groups (both twice a week for 12 weeks). Nutrition education will be provided during mealtimes on up to three occasions. Participants will also complete a 1-hour health assessment on up to three occasions.

Exploring the Impact of an Intergenerational EarlyON Playgroup

Investigators: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa; Michaela Adams, Research Associate, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health; Casandra Boushey, Project Lead, Intergenerational Services, Perley Health

This project evaluates an intergenerational playgroup that is being piloted at Perley Health. Tenants and parents are invited to complete a survey at the end of the six-week program to provide feedback on participants’ experiences, highlight areas for improvement, and highlight practices that are effective. The EarlyON playgroup will be open to residents soon.

Pilot implementation of a Technology to Engage Residents Living with Dementia in ‘Purposeful Play’

Investigators: Danielle Sinden, Director, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health; Robyn Orazietti, Manager of Therapeutic Recreation and Creative Arts, Perley Health; Daniela Acosta, Manager of Education and Knowledge Translation, Perley Health; Andrea Liu, Manager of Interprofessional Care, Perley Health; Dr. Kimberly Carla Campbell, Research Associate, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care, Perley Health; Kainat Bashir, CIHR Health System Impact Fellow, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health; Melissa Norman, Director of Quality and Interprofessional Care, Perley Health; Danielle Cruise, Research Assistant, Perley Health; Rachel Dobson, Recreation Therapist, Perley Health; Yetunde Temi Adegbunrin, Collaborative Practice Leader, Perley Health

The magic table an interactive tool designed for residents living with dementia, involving a projector that displays games and activities on a table. The technology aims to engage older adults in meaningful activity and promote social interaction, physical activity, and cognitive and sensory stimulation. We will be evaluating the impact that the magic table has on residents as well as satisfaction of the device by staff and families.

Learning Need Assessment in Long-term Care (Knowledge Translation Hub)

Investigators: Heather MacLeod, Knowledge Translation Specialist, Perley Health; Danielle Sinden, Director, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health; Melissa Norman, Director of Quality and Interprofessional Care, Perley Health; Daniela Acosta, Manager of Education and Knowledge Translation, Perley Health; Kainat Bashir, CIHR Health System Impact Fellow, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health

The purpose of this project is to develop a Knowledge Translation Hub that will facilitate the dissemination of the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™ research projects and support best practices in long-term care. The Knowledge Translation Hub will identify various learning needs and opportunities to share resources and implementation support with other long-term care homes across Ontario.

Pain measurement and Reporting in Long-term Care Homes

This project aims to highlight the challenges associated with the current methods of assessing and managing pain of residents living in long-term care.

Antimicrobial Stewardship Project

Investigators: Tania Paolini, Manager of Infection Prevention and Control, Perley Health; Samantha Boulerice, Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Nurse, Perley Health; Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

This project aims to address the challenge of antimicrobial resistance by promoting best practices for managing urinary tract infections. Perley Health will implement two quality-improvement exercises. The first focuses on educating essential care providers (typically family and close friends); the second provides feedback about the number of urine cultures ordered by Perley Health.

VRision Program – Scaling of a Validated Virtual Reality Training Program for Improving Vision in Older Adults

Investigators: Dr. Michael Reber, Lead Investigator, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network; Dr. Lora Appel, Co-Principal Investigator, York University, Collaborative Scientist, OpenLab, University Health Network; Danielle Sinden, Director, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health

Re:Garde is a novel, non-invasive, mobile Virtual Reality (VR) visual-training program that can be used to train and maintain visual perception in both healthy older adults and those with visual impairments. In this study, older adults will complete a series of VR sessions over six weeks, followed by interviews and surveys. Along with collecting and analyzing participants’ feedback, the project will explore the potential of VR to improve mobility and orientation in older adults. This research will help determine the most effective strategy for using Re:Garde with a larger population of older adults.

Contact Information

If you are interested in participating or would like to learn more about a particular project, please contact:

Michaela Adams

Research Associate, Centre of Excellence

Perley Health

1750 Russell Road, Ottawa ON K1G 5Z6

613-526-7170 ext. 2425

madams@perleyhealth.ca