Grant: Summer Program in Aging

Older adults often face difficulties accessing healthcare services. This is especially true in my hometown in rural British Columbia (BC). It motivates my interest in older adult care, equity, and healthcare services. For five years, I have conducted research related to older adults. My focus has been on those living with dementia and frailty. I have an understanding of the challenges they experience, and those of our health system. My past and current research aims to address these challenges and improve their care. As a master's student, my goals are still to support the care of older adults. My thesis will examine the effect of the pandemic on quality of dementia care for older adults living in BC. I will use the results to plan interventions to improve quality of dementia care. I will also share the results with policymakers and healthcare service providers. The results will help them make decisions and set goals for healthcare delivery. I plan to continue this work through further education (PhD) and future employment. Care and support for older adults and people living with dementia is multidisciplinary. It spans healthcare, public health, social support programs, social determinants of health, and more. I need to think across these disciplines to interpret and use the results of my research. That is why I am delighted the SPA 2023 program has a strong multidisciplinary focus. The education, collaboration, and skill development will expand our knowledge across disciplines. It will improve our research and help us develop solutions to support healthy aging. In return, I offer the SPA and attendees my expertise and skillsets. These include research methods, epidemiology, primary care, health services, and patient-oriented research. I look forward to connecting with peers working to support older adults. I am excited to learn more about aging, aging-related research, and best practices. The SPA will support this and enhance the impact of my contributions.