Author Archives: lmonglmong

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It is important to recognize how our assumptions about the older adult population have been driven by psychosocial theories. As Horgan identifies, social programs and policies, and healthcare interventions will vary tremendously, depending on which psychosocial theory of aging lens was applied to the development (2019). As an example of how theory influences policy –Continue reading “Aging Theories and Policy”

In June 2019, a long-time coming project in the city of Edmonton finally opened it’s doors (pun intended). This collaborative care model focuses on providing 24/7 access to mental health and addictions support. The service itself is located within the Royal Alexander Hospital, which enables resource sharing which enables the integration of knowledge between theContinue reading “Access 24/7”

Informal caregiving is a hugely underrated resource, as this contributes billions of dollars in unpaid labour to the Canada Health System (Hajek & Konig, 2015). The consequences of failing to provide respite can include caregiver burnout, crisis, neglect, and abuse (Health Canada, 2003). Health Canada goes on to report that some of the largest groupsContinue reading “Caregiving & Respite Services”

Stigma is experienced when a person or group of individuals have a particular characteristic (ie. a chronologic age), and there is a negative attitudinal association with such characteristic. Older adults with mental health issues are doubley stigmatized as being “old” and having “mental health issues.” Stigma can be very simply understood as a fact aboutContinue reading “Stigma”

“Aging in Place” is a similar, but different idea from universal design. This approach focuses on removing barriers, keeping the 7 principles of universal design in mind, but with the ultimate goal of having older adults stay in their homes for as long as possible. Aging in Place also encompasses more holistic features to remainContinue reading “Aging in Place”

Public organizations such as municipal governments, or colleges and universities can be guided by policy to enact universal design in their building codes. Some examples of Universal Design Policy have been found below: City of Winnipeg: https://winnipeg.ca/ppd/planning/pdf_folder/EPC_UnivDesign.pdf Red Deer College: https://rdc.ab.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/43160/universal-design-policy.pdf Private institutions, such as shopping malls or restaurants, are not at the discretion ofContinue reading “Universal Design Policy”

This initiative designed by Dementia Care Matters first began in the United Kingdom. Over the last 20 years, this approach to care has sparked interest in Ireland, Australia, the USA and Canada. The first commissioned pilot project, from Dementia Care Matters occurred in two towns in Alberta – Spruce Grove and Whitemud (Sainsbury & Gaudet,Continue reading “The Butterfly Project”

Smart homes, duped up in Alexas, smart light bulbs, thermometers, and cameras, seem to be the wave of the future. These home modifications fall within the umbrella term of assistive technology, which includes technology that is assistive, adaptive, or rehabilitative for people with disabilities (Horgan, 2019). As an example, a person who uses a wheelchairContinue reading “Smart Homes”