IRT Research Foundation

Research in IRT13 November 2013

Barbara SquiresHead of Research and Advocacy

What is the IRT Research Foundation?

Set up in 2009 and mainly funded by IRT as part of our commitment to benevolence.

Has committed over $1m to support research to improve the mind, mobility and lifestyles of senior Australians.

What does the IRT Research Foundation do?

Funds research through the annual competitive grants round and by direct funding

Oversees ALL research with IRT customers and staff (regardless of funding source)

Disseminates research findings

Raises funds to help support research

What research has the RF funded?

Molecular chaperones of the ageing process*,Dr Justin Yerbury, UOW

* How do we stop “junk” piling up in our brains as we age?

RF funded research:

Living alone with dementia,Brendan Moore and Kylie Sait, Alzheimer’s Australia NSW

(involved IRT In-Home Care Sydney and IRT SW Sydney)

“Living alone with dementia”

- Policy paper to influence government

- Research to practice guide for service providers

RF funded research:

Promoting healthy lifestyles in IRT communities,Prof Sandra Jones, UOW

(IRT Towradgi Park, IRT Tarrawanna Gardens and IRT William Beach Gardens)

- presentation on IRT website, “About IRT”

Prof Sandra Jones, UOW, Research Symposium, 8 Nov 2013

RF Funded research:How your thoughts affect your enjoyment of exercise A/Prof David Neumann, Griffith Uni (Q’ld)

Retirement village living: Who considers relocation, and what characteristics of retirement villages are seen as important?Dr Tim Windsor (et al), Flinders Uni, SA (research done by team at ANU, Canberra)

Both presented at 2013 Research Symposium: presentations now on IRT website, “About IRT”

2012 Grants Round: 5 projects

1. The dancing mind Prof Dafna Merom, UWS.- which is better at maintaining brain function in older adults - walking or ballroom dancing?

2. Telehealth remote monitoring for people with multiple chronic conditions, Prof Gill Lewin, Silver Chain and Curtin University, WA

2012 Grants round (cont’d)

3. Implementing Design for Dementia Prof Richard Fleming, UOW (IRT Sarah Claydon, IRT Peakhurst and new builds)

4. Ageing with a disability and without a disabilityProf Trevor Parmenter, Sydney Uni

(IRT In-Home Care Southern Illawarra) - Progress report at 2013 Research Symposium, by Prof

Rafat Hussein – presentation on website)

2012 Grants round (cont’d)

5. Assistive robotic technology in aged care Prof G Dissanayake, UTS

- IRT Woonona

- ‘Smart’ walking frame & hoist

Trials of hoist in December – watch this space!

Direct funded by RF:

Grouping of people with dementia and Montessori activities (Flametree Project)Prof Richard Fleming, UOW- IRT Woonona

Social isolation in older peopleProf Andew Beer et al, Uni.of Adelaide - IRT one of 9 industry partners- IRT In-Home Care Sydney & SW Sydney

...and then there’s ITRACS!

Research component: Dementia design Grouping in dementia & Montessori at IRT WoononaEvaluation of ITRACSPhD project – Simulated Presence Therapy, IRT Greenwell Gardens

...but wait, there’s more!

IRT Kangara Waters very involved with Uni of Canberra and CHART (part of bigger TRACS program)

IRT is often approached by universities wanting to interview residents, service users and staff .... what then?

Approval process: ALL requests for access to IRT customers and/or staff need to be referred to Head of Research and Advocacy, as early in process as possible

Discussion with researcher first, then with relevant senior staff (GLT level) and then managers who need to be involved

Agreement with IRT to be signed if research is going to proceed

Knowledge sharing: Customers and staff to be given feedback about outcomes Results shared by researcher & IRT Research Foundation – newsletters, website, annual Research Symposium , other conferences etcResults become part of the wider knowledge base, and may be published by researchers in academic journals

BEST OF ALL: RESULTS IMPROVE LIFE FOR OLDER PEOPLE!!!