Seniors
Geriatric Research
University of Rochester's School of Nursing and
the Center
for Clinical Research on Aging
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Why would a well established nursing school create a research center for aging? The answer is in the most recent U.S. census. It says that by 2030, one in every five Americans will be seniors. That will have a significant impact on delivering health care to seniors. Strong Health is being proactive with targeted research. The Center for Clinical Research on Aging (CCRA) at the U of R's School of Nursing is devoted to improving the quality of life for seniors and addressing the tough challenges faced by caregivers.
Why include caregivers in research?
The American family is still the number one provider of caretaking for seniors. Family members must deal with:
- Talking about a problem
- Communicating between the senior and doctors
- Providing hands-on care and follow-up
Remarkable Results
Research at the School of Nursing's Center for Clinical Research on Aging drives both education and practice. Successful and on-going projects include:
- The Rocking Chair Study. Research led to an easy way to help seniors with dementia by finding that the mild exercise provided by a rocking chair improves mood and helps reduce pain.
- Humor Therapy. Laughing has been called "internal jogging." It's good for you! That's what our researchers found working with seniors who have dementia and responded positively to humor therapy.
- End-of-life Care. When should end-of-life care begin? Research considers the timetable for improving care to seniors with dementia and their families as the senior's life force begins to fail.
What Other Research is Supported by the School of Nursing?
- The Geriatric Investment Program. This program enhances nursing school classes in senior issues in areas identified by the community as needing improvement.
- The Center for Clinical Trials and Medical Device Evaluation (CCTMDE). Ongoing trials of patient care devices and pharmaceuticals help develop new and more effective techniques for successful aging.
Honors for our Efforts
An article in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing says the U of R's School of Nursing's focus on geriatric research helped propel it to the #4 position of all U.S. nursing schools. In addition to research, other assets cited in the journal included the Geriatric Education Center and the John A. Hartford Centers of Excellence in Geriatric Medicine.
Faculty researchers, nurses, physicians, health care providers, the community, and caregivers are all looking for ways to improve the lives of seniors. The Center brings these considerable energies together for more dramatic results.