Multiple Generations

Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging

Our Values

Inclusivity

Working with compassion, integrity, and humility to promote an age-positive and age-inclusive culture guided by the needs and interests of diverse older adults.

Collaboration

Establishing intergenerational, interdisciplinary, and cross-sectoral partnerships to build capacity in education and research in the field of aging.

Innovation

Developing and translating evidence on age-inclusive environments, practices, and policies to improve the health and well-being of older adults, in a sustainable manner.

Leaders

Being recognized as a valuable hub within our institution, our community, and beyond for catalyzing networks and advancing innovations to better serve the aging population.

Featured Events

Careers in Aging

Careers in Aging

People are living longer and populations are aging worldwide, increasing the demand for professionals with expertise in aging. Join us on March 26 to learn about diverse career paths in the field of aging from professionals with varying educational backgrounds. Be inspired to pursue a career in aging!

Register

Featured Research

Co-lead researcher Dr. Zahra Goodarzi

Co-Lead Researcher, Dr. Zahra Goodarzi

Implementation of a patient-centered clinical care pathway for older adults with frailty in long-term care

As we age, many experience medical and functional problems. This, in combination with other factors, can lead to an increased vulnerability to adverse health outcomes, commonly known as frailty. Frailty is measured on a continuum from managing well to being completely dependent on others for care. Frailty is common among those living in long-term care (LTC). When frailty is not recognized early, it can be harder to manage and slow progression; thus, a standardized approach to identifying and managing frailty is necessary for providing optimal care. 

Using surveys and interviews with LTC residents, caregivers and healthcare providers, the research team co-led by Drs. Goodarzi and Holroyd-Leduc aimed to identify knowledge gaps about caring for those experiencing frailty, and to gain insight into how to overcome these challenges. The results of this CIHR and Alberta Health funded research emphasized the importance of identifying the degree of frailty and on providing person-centred care. Early and responsive conversations among residents, caregivers, and healthcare providers are also necessary for optimal care planning. Additionally, knowledge gaps about palliative and end-of-life care options were identified. 

Study findings informed the development of a standard approach to help LTC residents experiencing frailty which is currently being implementing in Brenda Strafford Foundation LTC facilities, as well as Bethany Care Seniors centres in Calgary.

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