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Enhancing Independent Living

Enhancing Independent Living for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities Through Technological and Psychosocial Innovation

Independent living, which entails having active control over the direction of one’s life, is recognized as fundamentally important to quality of life. Consequently, developing and implementing efficient and effective strategies for enhancing independent living should be a vital part of health care service delivery for seniors and persons with disabilities. In a recent background report, Supports and Barriers to Independent Living and Mental Wellness in Seniors and Persons with Disabilities, prepared for  the Collaborative Research Grant Initiative as part of the Alberta Mental Health Research Partnership Program, the use of technology was identified as an important potential means for enhancing independent living and mental wellness (Wells et al., 2009). The current project will add to the existing body of knowledge by comprehensively summarizing technological innovations currently used to enhance independent living, by identifying stakeholder needs that can be aligned with existing and potential technology related strategies, and by evaluating these strategies to ensure their effectiveness.  

Advisory Team:

  • Greg Wells - RDC Psychology Instructor Val Trotter - Administrator, Bethany Care Society CollegeSide
  • Ben Heykants - RDC Psychology Student Nila Munoz - Sales Manager, Madentec Brian Barr - Public Guardian, Office of the Public Guardian
  • Marlin Styner - Stakeholder and Premier’s Council Chair, Ministry of Seniors and Community Supports
  • Anthony opden Dries - Community Supports Consultant, Persons with Developmental Disabilities, Central Region Community Board
  • Pansy Angevine - AHS-CZ Home Care
  • Jackie Egg - RDC Health Learning and Development Coordinator
  • Scott Oddie - RDC Rural Health Research Chair  

New Research Student Members:

  • Drew DeClerk
  • Dan Bustamante  

Others consulted:

  • Tracy Sommerfeld - former Director, Continuing Care, AHS – CZ; not active  
  • Roy Koshy - Director of Senior Health  

Current Status:

The group has reviewed Ben Heykants’ research findings which were completed in April. The preliminary study piloted assessments and methods to be used on the broader initiative that now targets three populations: 1) young adults in continuing care (or homecare settings), 2) seniors in homecare settings, and 3) persons with developmental disability. A grant for approximately $260000 was submitted to the Alberta Rural Development Network research fund. The project has been given $75000 of support. PDD Central Board has provided $10000 of funding over two years. Dan Bustamante and Drew DeClerk, RDC collaborative students, have been approved for 6-credit research courses under Dr. Greg Wells’ supervision. 

For more information contact: Dr. Scott Oddie or phone 403-342-3310.