“Arrimage”: Intersectoral working model to counter mistreatment of older adults
Principal researcher
Marie Beaulieu, Ph.D., Sherbrooke University, Chair holder of the research Chair on mistreatment of older adults
Research team
Suzanne Garon, Ph.D., Sherbrooke University
Yves Couturier, Ph.D., Sherbrooke University
Chair personnel involved in the project
Joséphine Loock
Funding agency
Department of Family and Seniors, through the program Soutien aux initiatives visant le respect des aînés (S.I.R.A.) (Support for initiatives for respect of seniors)
Dates for accomplishment of project
May 2012 to December 2014
Aim and objectives
Aim
This research-action project aims, firstly, to document and model the intersectoral work to fight mistreatment of older adults from the innovative practices currently being tried out in the northeast region of Montreal, to then implement the model, evaluate the effects and then disseminate the final model that will have been enriched by the research-action.
Objectives
1. Document current intersectoral practices
2. Identify, based on current practices and a review of literature, the conditions and obstacles to the development and maintenance of formal intersectoral linkages, in accordance with the mandates of each sector.
3. Develop a model of intersectoral intervention
4. Implement the model of intersectoral intervention
5. Assess the effects of the model.
6. Produce a final model from the results obtained at each prior stage
7. Disseminate the results and promote the implementation of the model in Quebec
Results or benefits
Results :
During the first year, the goal is to establish a model of intersectoral practices to fight mistreatment. Modelling of practice will be conducted from three sources : observation and documentation of an intersectoral project in progress; identification of changes sought by actors at different levels (managers, services coordinators and actors intervening directly with clients) in public, private and community services; and the review of the scientific literature which suggests other intersectoral practices to fight mistreatment. This development of the intersectoral model will be provided by the pooling of scientific expertise and practices. The indicators will be the rigour of the process, the quality of the participatory approach, the quality of the model in regard to current practices, to desired practices and to what is known in the literature, the vigour of the various committees set up, the development of formal or informal collaborative approaches (such as possible memoranda of understanding between agencies that have very diverse missions like a CSSS or a senior’s round-table).
For year 2 and year 3, our approach uses the approach of Chen (2005). The aim then is to implement the model, test it, and improve it in the light of the results obtained, to finally disseminate the revised and enhanced version in light of practice to the whole of Quebec.
Benefits :
The benefits are many. For mistreated older adults, the intersectoral working model will allow the experience of a more integrated offer of services, thus better suited to their needs, more complementary and, therefore, more satisfactory.
For the partner organizations of this project, this model will draw upon their practical knowledge to serve in enriching the scientific knowledge while benefitting from the illumination provided by the research to improve their practice to ensure, at the same time, the well-being of Quebec’s older adults.
In dealing with the organization of services in general, in Quebec, mistreatment appears as an interesting laboratory for improving the intersectorl work with older adults struggling with complex problems.
In terms of benefits for society, this type of practice (intersectoral) tends to improve the offer of services, as well as their quality and continuity to the benefit of mistreated older adults (Nerenberg, 2003).
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Engaged Scholarship: Evaluation of knowledge mobilization for older adults in the community
Principal investigator
Dr. Lynn McDonald, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto
Research team
Dr. Marie Beaulieu, Sherbrooke University, Chair of the research Chair on mistreatment of older adults
Dr. Peter Donahue, School of Social Work, Ryerson University College
Dr. Corey. Mackenzie, Department of psychology, University of Manitoba
Dr. Esme Fuller-Thomson, Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto
Dr. Elsa Marziali, Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit, Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care
Dr. Gloria Gutman, Gerontology Research Centre, Simon Fraser University
Dr. Ariela Lowenstein, Faculty of Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa
Dr. Laurence Kryzanouwski, Departement of Finance, University of Concordia
Dr. Gail Wideman, School of Social Work, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Dr. Ronald Baecker, Departement of Computer Science, University of Toronto
Dr. Karen Kobayashi, Departement of Sociology, University of Victoria
Chair staff involved in the project
N.a.
Granting agency
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRCC)
Dates for project completion
April 2012 to April 2018
Purpose and objectives
Purpose
The purpose of this research program is to evaluate the impact of a set of pocket tools that contain evidence-based information about the core challenges of aging. The tools are based on current research on aging, and were created by interdisciplinary teams in the last five years by the National Initiative for the Care of Elderly (NICE). NICE, a national knowledge mobilization network of seniors, students, policy makers, academics and practitioners in interdisciplinary teams, developed tools for family support (e.g., grandparenting), financial literacy (e.g., retirement income), legal issues (e.g., consent and capacity), ethnicity and aging (e.g., care burden for South Asians) and elder abuse (e.g., telephone and internet scams) to create over 60 pockets tools that are used across Canada and internationally. The pocket tools are used by older adults themselves, and those living or working with them in the community. In the last year there were over 200,000 requests for these tools that will now be offered in two formats: as foldout pocket tools and digital applications for handheld devices.
Objectives
1. To evaluate the degree of uptake and utilization of evidence-based research through the use of pocket tools by practitioners, policy makers and by the public, including seniors and their families;
2. To evaluate which implementation strategies (foldout pocket tools or digital applications of tools) are used by seniors, their caregivers and groups of professionals;
3. To evaluate how different user groups apply the evidence in aging according to instrumental, conceptual and symbolic use;
4. To evaluate the degree of influence the knowledge mobilization tools have on older adults, their families, practitioners and policy makers by method of delivery;
5. To modify and disseminate the tools according to the research;
6. To engage, train and retrain a new generation of students in knowledge transfer research and gerontology in Canada.
Results or benefits
This inquiry about the effectiveness of applying research knowledge in the form of small, simple and comprehensible tools about aging has been the subject of interest in multidisciplinary communities for some time but has intensified in parallel to increased recognition of the difficulties in moving research into practice either by self or professional. While considerable funding goes to knowledge transfer or mobilization, far less is devoted to research about the effectiveness of knowledge mobilization or the best way to implement this transfer with an older population. This research adds to the new and very limited body of research about the utility of knowledge mobilization, specifically in the field of aging.
The research will enhance our understanding of knowledge mobilization using evidence-ased paper pocket tools and graphic digital replications of the pocket tools that convey core knowledge about the social aspects of aging in the areas of financial literacy, elder abuse and neglect, ethnicity and aging, the law and older adults, and caregiving. The underlying assumption of the project is that knowledge of social issues related to aging can help prevent and solve some of the problems of an aging population if the information is evidence-based, easy to understand and easily accessible. These research outcomes via dissemination will help change views of older adults to be empowered members of society, it will help lessen the overwhelming effects of caregiving and give social providers (e.g. social workers, lawyers, police, etc) confidence in the information they distribute in Canadian communities. The expected outcome that digital information will be used by older adults will change the way services are delivered in Canada and the policies that guide them.
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Response to mistreatment of older adults: cross-Wallonia-Quebec viewpoints
Joint discussions around the implementation of a tool linked to the fight against elder abuse
Principal investigator
Marie Beaulieu, Ph.D., Sherbrooke University, Chair of the research Chair on mistreatment of older adults
Research team
Nicolas Berg and Dominique Langhendries
ASBL Respect Seniors, Belgium
Chair staff involved in the project
Louise Belzile
Granting agency
Seventh Joint Standing Committee Quebec-Wallonia-Brussels
Dates for project completion
November 2011 to August 2013
Purpose and objectives
Purpose
This collaboration between Sherbrooke University’s research Chair on mistreatment of older adults and the ASBL Respect Seniors (Wallonia) aims to : 1) develop tools or mechanisms for intervention with mistreated older adults and, thereby, to provide Respect Seniors with external input to benefit largely those seeking their services and to provide the research Chair on mistreatment with new training materials and transfer of knowledge; and 2) implement mechanisms for reciprocal complementarity between the two actors of this project; a guarantee of the sustainability of mutual achievements.
Objectives
Phase I
1.To draw up the portrait of the Respect Seniors organization and place its activities in the Walloon context
2.To become familiar with the practice guidelines and the work tools used by Respect Seniors practitioners
3.To characterize the practice guidelines and the use of current tools employed by the practitioners
4.To assess the receptiveness and the compatibility of a tool like In Hand from the viewpoint of the two groups of actors: managers and practitioners
5.To identify the expectations vis-à-vis the conducting of change
Phase II
6.To participate in the review of practice guidelines and the main intervention tools by incorporating, where necessary, elements of the practice guideline In Hand
7.To identify the needs for support in the implementation of practice guidelines and intervention tools like In Hand
8.To develop a support strategy for the implementation of practice guidelines and tools that meet the needs of the organization
Phase III
9.Review the real use of intervention tools and practice guidelines in terms of the adaptation made by the users
10.To formulate recommendations for improved practices in the fight against mistreatment
Results or benefits
Results
This research project will both improve methods by a more elaborate practice model and provide practitioners dedicated to the fight against mistreatment with a tool which will also adjust their practice. Finally, building on our already documented Quebec experience and on this study in Wallonia, we can contribute to renewed practice models (which are very few) in the fight against mistreatment.
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Screening (or case research) in mistreatment of older adults living at home
Principal investigator
Marie Beaulieu, Ph.D., Sherbrooke University, chair holder of the research Chair on mistreatment of older adults.
Research team
Research partnership with the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ), particularly with Julie Laforest.
Chair staff involved in the project
Louise Belzile, PhD student in Gerontology.
Funding organization
Regular budgets from the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec and from the research Chair on mistreatment of older adults.
Dates for completion of the project
Spring 2010 to autumn 2012.
Goal and objectives
As part of the work stemming from the Governmental Action Plan to Counter Elder Abuse 2010-2015, the Chair had begun thinking about the validity of the many screening tools (case research). In partnership with the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ), this work is continued in an in-depth way. Fourteen validated tools for case research in mistreatment of older adults living at home (and not in residential institutions) have been identified. Their analysis, through a series of stringent criteria, is almost complete.
Results or outcome
We will have a detailed critical assessment of the validated screening tools (case research) in the world. Through this work, the Chair and the INSPQ will be able to come to a decision on the qualities of the available tools. Eventually, these partners could offer translation, adaptation and evaluation of one or a few tools in Quebec practice spheres.
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The contribution and the supervision and support of volunteers in the fight against mistreatment of older adults: a pilot project
This is a research partnership project between the research Chair on mistreatment of older adults and a Townships community organisation dedicated to defending older adults’ rights, the AEIFA-DIRA ( Townships association to inform and train older adults in the Townships – Denounce, Inform, Refer, Accompany).
Senior researcher
Marie Beaulieu, Ph.D., Sherbrooke University, Chairholder of the research Chair on mistreatment of older adults.
Research team
Not applicable.
Chair staff involved in the project
Monia d'Amour
Funding agency
Research Chair on mistreatment of older adults.
Dates for the accomplishment of the project
October 2011 to September 2012
Aim and objectives
Aim
This study is directed at the acquisition of knowledge concerning the supervision and support of senior volunteers actively involved with mistreated older adults.
Objectives
1- To document the nature and the scope of the activities carried out by volunteers involved with mistreated older adults and to highlight the significance they attach to their actions.
2- To document the place and the role of volunteers in the continuum of services to fight mistreatment and the forms of supervision and support the organization provides its volunteers.
3- To produce a guidance manual concerning the supervision and support of senior volunteers in the area of mistreatment.
Results or benefits
Results
The project will enable the collection of important data to understand:
- volunteers’ expected and actual acts;
- volunteers’ motivations to get involved in supporting mistreated older adults;
- the place taken/the place desired by the volunteers;
- the required training methods and those desired by the volunteers;
- the types of supervision and monitoring which encourage the sustainability of volunteers’ involvement.
- The data collected will be used to formulate recommendations concerning the supervision and support of senior volunteers in the area of mistreatment, in the form of an guidance manual.
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