By: Allison Currie
Dr. Lori Weeks is an Affiliate Scientist with Nova Scotia Health, Professor in the School of Nursing at Dalhousie University, Interim Coordinator, PhD of the Health Program and Core Member: Aligning Health Needs and Evidence for Transformative Change: A JBI Centre of Excellence.
Can you tell us a little bit about your field of research?
My research focuses on the care and support of older adults and their caregivers. My research often focuses on the needs of vulnerable older adults both in the community and in residential long-term care facilities. I am engaged in research on supporting older adults and their caregivers in the transition from hospital to home, abuse in later life, and innovative housing models for older adults such as cohousing. I am a team member on several additional studies including various aspects of quality of life in long-term care, the impact of passive remote monitoring technologies for home care clients, and several systematic reviews.
What led you to this field/inspired you to do this work?
I had a great deal of interaction with older adults while growing up in my family and broader community and was always aware of their contributions to their families, communities, and society. After my undergraduate degree, I worked in a nursing home and felt that we could do better at ensuring older people needing support have a high quality of life. That focused my graduate studies on aging.
How does your research translate into healthcare solutions for the patient/public?
I am an applied social scientist, so many of the studies I am involved in translate to healthcare solutions, including improving home and community-based supports and reducing utilization of acute care and residential long-term care.
What is the biggest challenge/opportunity in your field of research?
There is a great deal of interest in our aging population, but there are many social and environmental issues that we are facing, and there are not enough resources, including financial and human, to address all the needs. The time for innovative approaches to care is here as we plan for the next 10-15 years knowing our population demographics are shifting quickly.
Why is research and participation in research important?
We need new knowledge and to synthesize knowledge in order to be able to improve our healthcare system and to use the resources we have in the most effective ways possible.
What does the ideal future in your field of research look like to you?
I enjoy working in collaborative and interprofessional teams to address key health issues. At this stage of my career, I am also very interested in continuing to mentor colleagues in establishing their programs of research and supporting students at various stages of their training in becoming researchers.
There are over 100 affiliate scientists working with various teams across Research, Innovation and Discovery at Nova Scotia Health. The contributions they make to our healthcare system enable Nova Scotia Health to attract and retain students and future health researchers as well as other leading scientists from across the globe.
Research is care, and clinical studies help translate research into potentially life-changing therapies that can help you, your friends and your loved ones. Want to know more about how to get involved? Visit Nova Studies Connect today: novastudiesconnect.ca
