Research Projects

The team conducts evaluation research, development and validation of functional assessments, and clinical trials on:

• Falls and fall prevention strategies
• Adaptation and independence for at-risk elders
• Home and community safety
• Promoting participation, leisure and meaningful engagement
• Dementia care

Research projects include:

1. The ‘Stepping On’ Falls Prevention Program

With assistance from a National Health and Medical Research Council grant, we developed Stepping On to reduce falls in people over 70 years old. This seven week home-based education program is about to be rolled out across Australia and is being investigated by collaborators at the University of Madison, Wisconsin for development for the US context.

2. Vitamin D deficiency in older people

We are researching Vitamin A deficiencies in older people from different backgrounds. Vitamin D is directly linked to maintaining muscle and bone strength – an area of great importance for older people.

3. The impact of nursing home environments

We are looking at the levels of activity and engagement in residents who have moved from an older nursing home to a very modern one.