Researchers seeking Cape Breton seniors for project
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SYDNEY, NS — Researchers hope to recruit Cap Breton seniors to help them assess the needs for continued living at home in their communities.
The ACTing Collectively research project is a partnership between researchers from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Health, Department of Seniors and Long-term Care, BRIC NS, Northwood Corporate, CARP-NS and spans Victoria and Richmond counties and the Cape Breton community.
The goal of the project is to test the Age Care TechnologiesTM (ACT) assessment tool to survey seniors over the age of 65 about their life, health and well-being while living in these counties.
Research assistant Brianna Wolfe of the Dal’s School of Health Administration said the goal is to figure out how to help the elderly stay in their homes for as long as possible.
Some potential participants are concerned that it’s another study that will be on the shelf when they have actual needs, like WiFi connectivity and access to health services. However, the project organizers say that participants have the opportunity to make decisions.
Assurances of confidentiality help, as does word of mouth from participants to others who may be interested.
Wolfe said recruitment will continue through at least the end of the year and possibly into next year.
If the pilot for the assessment tool works, decision-makers in government will receive this feedback in a report.
“Ultimately, by participating in this project, you’re not only doing it for yourself, you’re also contributing to the community,” Wolfe said.
“The end result is this tool that is worth investing in for the province.”
It is hoped that around 120-160 people will be recruited in each county that has a community coordinator.
Celeste Gotell is the local project coordinator for Richmond County.
“This is an opportunity for older adults to make their voices heard,” she said.
In her area, she promotes the projects through senior clubs and organizations that deal with older adults.
The benefit, she said, is identifying the resources available in the community as well as some of the gaps.
She said all information is confidential and encourages people to get involved and let the research team know what they need.
For more information about the project, visit https://www.actingcollectively.ca/ or the ACTing Collectively Project Facebook page. The email is [email protected]
– Barb Sweet is a multimedia journalist at the Cape Breton Post. Follow her on Twitter @BarbSweetTweets.
