Current Projects

Current Projects – 2026

The Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™ provides residents, tenants, families, care partners and staff the opportunity to become involved in a variety of innovative projects and initiatives. This creates opportunities to engage in meaningful social, recreational and intellectual 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 and quality of life.

Exceptional care, research, education and innovations at Perley Health are supported in part by the generosity of our community. To donate to the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, please visit: www.PerleyHealthFoundation.ca.

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:

Health Surveillance of Community-Dwelling, Person-with-Dementia and Caregiver Dyads
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 relationship between individuals living with dementia and their caregivers is important and can impact their dementia journey. However, limited national longitudinal data exists about the caregiver-person living with dementia dyad even though this data would provide important information about their joint trajectories and help to better identify the needs of caregivers and persons living with dementia across the dementia journey. The project developed a linked national longitudinal database of persons living with dementia and their caregivers.

This project has received financial support from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).
Exploring the Experiences of Veteran Long-Term Care Residents with Arts-Based Programs
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 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.

This project was made possible thanks to the support of the True Patriot Love Foundation.
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.
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 of LTC homes shared their strategies for getting to know residents.
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 on up to three occasions. Healthy snacks and/or supplements will be given as needed. Participants will also complete a 1-hour health assessment on up to three occasions.

This project has received financial support from Mitacs through the Mitacs Accelerate Program, University of Ottawa, and the Perley Health Foundation.
Magic Table Implementation to Support Residents' Social Engagement

Investigators: Danielle Cruise, Research Assistant, Perley Health; Mirou Jaana, Full Professor, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa; Danielle Sinden, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health

The Magic Table is a projector that displays interactive games and activities to enhance residents' social engagement. This study presents the implementation of four Magic Table at Perley Health and assesses the facilitators/barriers, perceived benefits, and lessons learned from its implementation.

This project has received financial support from the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI).
Engaging long-term care residents, their families, and staff in the research life-cycle.
Investigators: Heather MacLeod, Knowledge Translation Specialist, Perley Health; Linda Hunter, Patient Partner; Danielle Sinden, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, 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. Benoît Robert, Chief Medical Officer, Perley Health

The purpose of this project is to develop a framework for meaningful inclusion of residents and their family members as part of the research team for research projects completed through the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™. The project involves a preliminary survey on important components of a citizen engagement framework for the long-term care sector and a full day meeting to discuss these components. The meeting will be held at Perley Health on May 29th, 2024 with 30 participants including residents, family members, researchers and experts in citizen engagement.

This project has received financial support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Pilot Implementation of PainChek to Support Staff Members in Assessing Residents' Pain
Investigators: Mirou Jaana, Full Professor, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa; Danielle Cruise, Research Assistant, Perley Health; Danielle Sinden, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health

PainChek is an artificial intelligence powered mobile application to help support staff members when assessing the pain of residents with cognitive impairment. Using a pre-post design, this study will assess the implementation and effectiveness of the PainChek tool in the Gatineau Building at Perley Health. We also aim to obtain a better understanding of registered staff members' confidence in assessing pain in residents with cognitive impairment. This project has received financial support from the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI).
What is Your Call: A 90-Year Old Man with A Suspected Hip Fracture
Investigators: Dr. Benoît Robert, Chief Medical Officer, Perley Health; Dr. Amy Hsu, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Bruyère Research Institute; Danielle Cruise, Research Assistant, Perley Health; Samantha Hallgren, Psychogeriatric Nurse, Perley Health; Kathryn May, Nurse Practitioner, The Ottawa Hospital

Limited guidance exists for clinicians to determine whether an operative or palliative approach is most appropriate for frail older adults who have sustained a hip fracture. This research presents a case review of an older adult who was treated with a palliative approach after sustaining a hip fracture. The information obtained from this project can better inform the decision-making surrounding palliative approaches to hip fractures and areas of future research.
Pilot Implementation and Evaluation of an Artificial Intelligence Technology in Long-Term Care
Investigators: Mirou Jaana, Full Professor, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa; Danielle Cruise, Research Assistant, Perley Health; Danielle Sinden, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health

Esprit-AI is an artificial intelligence-powered technology that utilizes pressure-sensing mats and room sensors in key areas (e.g., exits) to detect the movement of long-term care (LTC) residents. The purpose of the technology is to help with the early identification of possible high-risk situations, including falls and wandering (that could lead to responsive behaviours) to intervene early and reduce resident's risk of harm. Using a pre-post design, this study will pilot the use of Esprit-AI in one unit of the Gatineau building over one year. The results obtained from this project will help us better understand the impact of the technology in an LTC setting and staff members' satisfaction with its use.

This study received funding from the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization.
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Project for Seniors

Investigators: Dr. Atul Jaiswal, Research Lead, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health; Michaela Adams, Research Associate, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health; Jennifer Parker, Manager, Allied Health, Perley Health; Laura Barber, Occupational Therapist, Perley Health; Monica Bourque, Occupational Therapist, Perley Health; Ana Lakic, Occupational Therapist, Perley Health; Leslie Knapp, Occupational Therapist Assistant, Perley Health; Melissa Needham, Occupational Therapist Assistant; Joelle Thérien, Occupational Therapist Assistant; Chloe Loretta Kipp, Volunteer, Perley Health; David Mathew, Volunteer, Perley Health

Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a group-based, nonpharmacological intervention for those living with mild to moderate dementia and is rooted in evidence-based practice. CST stimulates language and cognitive function using a supportive and positive approach. By fostering meaningful connections with peers and providing the “just right challenge”, CST aims to enhance quality of life, cognitive and emotional function while supporting a sense of belonging among participants. The project evaluates the impact of CST sessions on residents' cognitive function, social engagement, and overall well-being within the long-term care home environment.
Sense of Home in Long-term care Project
Investigators: Melissa Norman, Director, Quality and Interprofessional Care, Perley Health; Dr. Atul Jaiswal, Research Lead, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health; Brianna Gill, Student Research Assistant, Carleton University

This project explores elements that contribute to the sense of “home” experienced by residents living in long-term care. Through a scoping review study followed by focus groups with residents, the study identifies design, relational, and organizational elements that foster comfort, safety, and belonging. The results will inform future programming and environmental improvements that make long-term care living feel more person-centered and home-like.

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