Innovative Research on Aging Awards

A published study led by a researcher with the Miami University Scripps Gerontology Center has been selected by Mather Institute as a Silver Award recipient of the 2023 Innovative Research on Aging Awards. Now in their 8th year, the awards were created by Mather Institute to inspire evidence-based next practices that can improve the lives of older adults.

As an internationally recognized resource for research and information about wellness, aging, and trends in senior living, Mather Institute invited submissions by researchers from universities and organizations around the world for this year’s awards, which cover a variety of categories from Aging in Place to Technological Advancements for Older Adults, and beyond. Miami University Scripps Gerontology Center was honored for an innovative 2022 study developing effective online training for caregivers of persons living with dementia.

Abbott and her team developed the training course by following the progress of 247 long-term staff members and caregiver participants. Its purpose is two-fold. First, to help care partners recognize and manage their own feelings. Second, to learn to observe the emotions of people living with dementia, resulting in improved quality of care and quality of life for both care partners and care recipients.

The Emotion-Focused Communication Professional Certificate teaches strategies that enable caregivers to better manage their own feelings and those of their care recipients. The training was positively received by caregiver participants, who reported a significant increase in their knowledge of emotion-focused communication and confidence in applying newly learned knowledge and skills.

A full complimentary report