Current Research Studies: Promoting Wellness

Evaluating Technological Applications of OQOLD - Phase II

Main Investigator: Perry Edelman, pedelman@matherlifeways.com

Funding: National Phase II SBIR Grant ($299,000 for 24 months), 10/1/09-9/30/11 Phase II of this project tests technological applications of the OQOLD (Observing Quality of Life in Dementia) Toolkit across a number of senior living and adult day care settings to evaluate the "usability" of OQOLD and improve its marketability. Hardware devices are evaluated in this phase along with further refinement of software developed specifically for OQOLD data. This new and innovative system provides practitioners with much-needed, but currently unavailable, information enabling caregivers to more efficiently and accurately assess residents' needs and to maximize residents' well-being and quality of life.

Positive Aging Project

Main Investigator: Perry Edelman, pedelman@matherlifeways.com, 847.492.6708

Positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. Components of the Positive Aging project focus on dimensions including happiness, resilience, spirituality, creativity, and meaning or purpose in life. Phase I of the this project consists of research conducted to: (1) identify the relevance and priority placed upon these issues by older adults in senior living communities and in the larger community, (2) identify/develop reliable measures of the relevant issues for older adults, (3) pilot-test these measures, and (4) assess the status of a limited number of samples of older adults vis-à-vis these issues. Phase II consists of the application of research findings including: (1) further developing and evaluating interventions (Positive Aging programs, services, and/or toolkits) that can support and nurture strengths of older adults enabling them to maximize their well-being in terms of mind, body, and spirit across the six dimensions of wellness and (2) assessing the marketability of Positive Aging interventions. Phase III consists of a large scale evaluation of Positive Aging issues and measures and sales of Positive Aging measures and interventions.

Project GRACE: Generating Resources for Aging Through Collaborative Energies

Main Investigator: Linda Hollinger-Smith, lhollinger-smith@matherlifeways.com

Funding: The Coleman Foundation ($23,500 for 12 months), 10/1/10-9/30/11 This grant supports implementation and evaluation of the program, GRACE - Generating Resources for Aging Through Collaborative Energies. The GRACE program targets education and experiential learning for managers and staff working with the growing numbers of aging adults with developmental disabilities in Chicagoland day and residential service organizations. This project is a collaboration with Clearbrook, a non-profit organization founded in 1955 and devoted to enhancing the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities and empowering them to live their lives to their fullest potential.

Whole-Person Wellness Assessment

Main Investigator: Perry Edelman, pedelman@matherlifeways.com

To study and advance the concept of Whole-Person Wellness, this research project pilot-tested a tool for assessing the impact of wellness programs on older adults and staff in both senior living communities and community-based programs. Researchers developed a process that provides personalized feedback for older adults/staff and program planning strategies for professionals serving older adults. In 2011, researchers are adapting the wellness assessment for use with low-income older adults; exploring development of an internet-based version of the assessment; and, conducting market research to identify best opportunities for sale and dissemination of the wellness assessment tool.

Whole-Person Wellness & Exercise

Contact: Theresa Sangram, tsangram@matherlifeways.com

The Institute is working closely with other areas of Mather LifeWays to develop, integrate, and evaluate Whole-Person Wellness programs. Working internally and with outside organizations, programs are tested in Mather LifeWays and other sites. As a specific project, Wellness Coaching is a relatively new concept and provides a holistic approach to health and well-being. Typical coaching programs appear geared toward the workforce - i.e. Executive Coaching, Management Coaching, etc. Little attention has been paid to coaching for a growing demographic: older adults. Researchers and practitioners are developing a Whole-Person Wellness Coaching model for Older Adults that meets their specific needs and interests in six wellness domains.

Workforce Wellness

Contact: Theresa Sangram, tsangram@matherlifeways.com

Numerous studies have concluded there are individual and organizational costs associated with unhealthy lifestyles. Corporations have adopted worksite health promotion programs to assist employees with establishing and maintaining healthy habits, and reducing health care costs. As a demonstration that it practices what it preaches with regard to embracing a holistic wellness philosophy, Mather LifeWays is developing a workforce wellness program that strives to attain optimal well-being of all employees. This is being accomplished by a variety of communication, assessment, education, and behavior change support mechanisms. Recently, a WorkLife Balance Toolkit was developed and disseminated among all Mather LifeWays staff and managers.

Current Research Studies: Enhancing the Senior Living Workforce

Empower Online for IBM China

Main Investigator: Jon Woodall, jwoodall@matherlifeways.com

Funding: Work/Family Directions, Inc. ($125,000 for 18 months), 2/15/10-8/15/11 This funding supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of a Mandarin Chinese version of Empower Online for IBM China employees who are caregivers of older adults. MLIA is working with a team of faculty (local and in China) to acculturate and translate the program, develop short videos featuring Chinese elders and caregivers, create a directory of local work-life resources for IBM China employees, pilot test, and evaluate the program reaching approximately 200 IBM employees in the first year.

REALPREP: A Real-time Planning and Training System to Improve Senior Living Disaster Preparedness

Main Investigator: Cate O'Brien, cobrien@matherlifeways.com

Funding: National Institutes for Health SBIR Phase I - completed (currently applying for Phase II) This grant supports a feasibility study (SBIR - Phase I) leading to the development of a multi-year proposal with significant funding (SBIR - Phase II). Outcomes of Phase I included: (1) development of a prototype user-centered, online disaster preparedness planning system to automate the process of developing a disaster preparedness plan; (2) workforce training in all-hazards programs; and (3) increased communication with local, state, and federal agencies on critical information such as availability of beds and other resources.

Workforce Trends: Aging in the Workplace Study

Main Investigator: Dawn Lehman, dlehman@matherlifeways.com

The purpose of this research is to identify workforce trends and best practices associated with organizational adaptation to an aging workforce. The research focuses on attitudes, beliefs and behaviors associated with ageism, benefits for older workers, culture change, diversity, intergenerational communications, career paths, caregiving responsibilities of workers (for parents, grandchildren), phased retirement, retiree programs and rehiring practices, and strategic workforce planning. With a large percentage of 78 million baby boomers planning to remain in the workforce past traditional retirement age, organizations in the nonprofit, private, and public sectors will need a best practices guide to increase organizational effectiveness and business performance. A three-part assessment tool was constructed and pilot tested in Mather LifeWays communities and in 11 CCRCs in 2008. A comprehensive toolkit has been developed for companies interested in addressing key issues associated with an aging workforce.