Perley and Rideau showcasing frailty research, innovation through webinar series

The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre is launching a new series of webinars to showcase its research and innovation regarding the care of adults living with frailty.

The series begins Thursday, March 10, with “The Future Is Now: Innovative Living Environments for Older Adults with Cognitive Impairments,” a presentation from Dr. Phillippe Voyer, a Laval University professor from the Faculty of Nursing and Sciences.

In the first one-hour webinar, Voyer speaks to the importance of providing those with cognitive impairments a suitable environment, in hopes to begin a cultural shift in long-term care homes.

Highlighting new residences in Quebec, Voyer showcases new research that focuses on how the residents of cognitive care homes react to the old model, which better represents a hospital ward, as opposed to new models which foster a feelings of community and home.

Annie Robitaille, research chair at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre, says the goal is to educate people and engage them in important discussions about the care of older adults living with frailty.

“This webinar series is an easy-to-access opportunity to share knowledge, best practices and latest innovations. It’s really about providing relevant information about living with frailty to as many people as possible,” says Robitaille.

“Not only to older adults living with frailty, but their care givers, family members, friends, healthcare professionals and students who may be pursuing a career in that area.”

Robitaille believes the first webinar is special, as it kicks off a series that is supported by over 100 people who are looking forward to pushing their research and innovation into the spotlight.

“Dr. Voyer is an extensive expert in the area of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders,” adds Robitaille. “It’s really going to highlight some of the work done on the best living arrangements for older adults living with cognitive impairments.”

Anyone interested in attending the monthly webinars is encouraged to register for future events on the Perley and Rideau’s website.