Conestoga gets $2.1M to continue seniors’ research

KITCHENER — Conestoga College will get more than $2.1 million over the next five years to continue its research into improving the quality of care for seniors.

The funding extends the Canadian Institutes of Health Research/Schlegel Industrial Research Chair for Colleges started at Conestoga in 2012. The fiveyear renewal through to 2022 announced on Thursday includes a $1-million investment from the federal government, matched by funding from industry partners.

“It’s actually a natural fit for the college,” said Conestoga president John Tibbits, explaining that the college is the region’s primary provider of health care professionals.

Thirteen per cent of the population is 65 and older, and that segment of seniors is growing and along with them their complex needs.

“This is a big, big issue in society as the population ages,” Tibbits told the gathering.

Research chair Veronique Boscart’s work includes developing curriculum for health care students, and evidence-based care for seniors.

While the number of seniors is growing, their quality of life is not always optimal.

“Not all their care stories and experiences are that great,” Boscart said.

To create changes, it’s necessary to provide better training at colleges for those who provide the care.

Schlegel Villages, which operates 19 long-term care and retirement communities, will contribute $500,000 to the initiative over five years.

“We’ll look forward to the next five years with great anticipation,” said Ron Schlegel, founder and chair of Schlegel Villages.

Research and training is a big focus at Schlegel.

It offers “living classrooms” for Conestoga’s personal support worker and practical nursing students to get hands-on learning and experience within a seniors’ facility.

Conestoga also collaborates with the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, and the Schlegel Centre for Advancing Seniors Care is located at Conestoga’s Doon campus.