Current Projects

Current Projects – 2024

The Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™ provides residents, tenants, families, care partners and staff the opportunity to become involved in a variety of innovative projects and initiatives. This creates opportunities to engage in meaningful social, recreational and intellectual activities such as learning a new skill, sharing experiences, and providing input on various issues. Participation also helps contribute to knowledge that can help improve care and quality of life.

Exceptional care, research, education and innovations at Perley Health are supported in part by the generosity of our community. To donate to the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, please visit: www.PerleyHealthFoundation.ca.

All projects follow public health measures related to COVID-19 and the policies set out by Perley Health. Below is a list of ongoing projects that the Centre of Excellence is involved with, many of which are seeking participants:

  1. Making “nonessential” Family Caregiving Essential in Long-Term Care Homes
    Investigators: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa

    This study aims to gain a better understanding of the response to COVID-19 that pertains to family caregiver presence in LTC and increase the evidence about the impact of reduced levels of family caregivers on residents and their family caregivers. This project involves in-person or virtual interviews with staff, family/ friend caregivers, formal volunteers, and residents to examine the impact of the restrictions on caregivers and residents. The data gained from this project can help improve the current COVID-19 situation in addition to improving pandemic preparedness for LTC homes during future outbreaks. Recruitment of family/friend caregivers, formal volunteers, staff, and residents is complete.
    This project has received financial support from Healthcare Excellence Canada and the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR).
  2. EntourAGE - Social Inclusion of People Living with Dementia and Their Caregivers Using an Intergenerational Program 
    Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa; Dr. Linda Garcia, Faculty of Health Sciences, LIFE Research Institute, University of Ottawa

    EntourAGE is a person-centered intergenerational volunteer program where individuals living with dementia can receive friendly one-on-one visits with high school, college and university students, called “Companions”. Participants in the program enjoy engaging in social and recreational activities with their companions. The program is being implemented in four different settings, one of them being long-term care homes.

    This project has received financial support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Alzheimer's Society of Canada.
  3. Testing Online Meaning-Centered Groups (OMG) in Promoting Psychological Well-Being and Reducing Distress in Ontario Retirement Home Residents Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Marnin Heisel, Psychiatry, Epidemiology & Biostatistics Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, Lawson Health Research Institute; Danielle Sinden, Director, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health

    Adults over age 60 who live in Ontario and feel lonely, socially isolated or stressed will participate in an online peer support group that promotes social connection and emotional health and well-being, and explores meaning in life. Participants will engage in a series of eight weekly discussions of 75–90 each alongside their peers, led by two trained facilitators. For more information visit: MeaningfulGroups.com
  4. Peer Mentorship Program 
    Principal Investigator: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa

    The Java Music Club is a research-based peer support group that involves Perley Health volunteers, and tenants and aims to reduce social isolation. Participants engage in various activities, such as discussing photographs, listening to music and reading articles. The sessions create a safe environment for participants to support one another by sharing stories and experiences. The goal is to inspire tenants to derive a sense of purpose and meaning from helping other tenants.
  1. Dexamethasone as a Treatment for Older Adults in LTC with COVID-19 
    Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Amy Hsu, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Bruyère Research Institute, and Dr. Benoît Robert, Chief Medical Officer, Perley Health

    Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid often used to treat COVID-19 patients. This project will use provincial health data to examine the administration and effectiveness of dexamethasone on symptom severity and mortality rates, along with healthcare outcomes (e.g., rates of hospitalization, use of mechanical ventilation) in residents of LTC homes in Ontario. 


  2. Program to Accelerate Technologies for Homecare (PATH) 
    Co-Principal Investigators, Ottawa site: Dr. Jeffrey Jutai, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa; Dr. Jason Millar, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Ottawa. Perley Health Site Lead: Danielle Sinden, Director, Centre of Excellence in Frailty- Informed Care™, Perley Health

    PATH  is a multi-partner initiative studying the potential role that home-based technologies can play in the care and well-being of older adults. Through multiple studies, groups of older adults will interact with various devices and technologies. Researchers will analyze and share study data with industry to test, validate and potentially commercialize technology products designed for older adults.

    This project has received financial support from AGE-WELL.

  3. Health Surveillance of Community-Dwelling, Person-with-Dementia and Caregiver Dyads 
    Principal Investigator: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa

    The relationship between individuals living with dementia and their caregivers is important and can impact their dementia journey. However, limited national longitudinal data exists about the caregiver-person living with dementia dyad even though this data would provide important information about their joint trajectories and help to better identify the needs of caregivers and persons living with dementia across the dementia journey. The project developed a linked national longitudinal database of persons living with dementia and their caregivers.

    This project has received financial support from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC).

  4. Supporting Preferences of Older Veterans and Families in Later Life 
    Principal Investigator: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa

    This project examines the health and well-being of older Veterans and their families both over time and across various settings. This study assesses the needs of older Veterans and their families, and evaluates the implementation, adoption, effectiveness, and sustainability of programs and policies for older Veterans and their families across settings. Furthermore, by analyzing administrative and population-level data, this research study examines the trajectories and transitions of older Veterans and identifies biopsychosocial determinants of health impacting their journey over time and across settings.

    This project has received financial support from Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC).

  5. Pilot Implementation of the ARMM device in LTC 
    Principal Investigator: Dr. Mirou Jaana, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa. Perley Health Site Lead: Danielle Sinden, Director, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health

    This project examines a pilot implementation of the ambulation, mobility, retraining and mobility mechanism (ARMM) device at Perley Health and how it impacts the workflow of physiotherapists. The study will explore the early stages of pre-implementation and map the workflow of physiotherapists. Residents and physiotherapists will share their feedback via surveys.

    This project has received financial support from AGE-WELL.

  6. Evaluation of an Arts Program for Veterans in the Community 
    Principal Investigator: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa

    This research examines the experiences of tenants and facilitators in an arts program for Veterans living in the community. Tenants of Perley Health's independent-living apartments who have attended a weekly arts program will be asked to participate in a focus group and to share their views about the program. Facilitators of the arts program will also be asked to share their perspectives through interviews, particularly about the program's strengths and weaknesses. The feedback will inform improvements to the arts program and the development of other programs.


  7. Exploring the Experiences of Veteran Long-Term Care Residents with Arts-Based Programs 
    Principal Investigator: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa

    This project explores the experiences of Veteran LTC residents participating in the Ozerdinc-Grimes Family Therapeutic Recreation and Creative Arts Program. The study involves one-on-one interviews with Veterans who participate in the Program, along with their families and/or caregivers, staff and volunteers.

    This project was made possible thanks to the support of the True Patriot Love Foundation.

  8. Design and Implementation of a Nurse Mentorship Program in LTC 
    Investigators: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa; Michaela Adams, Research Associate, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health; Daniela Acosta, Manager of Education and Knowledge Translation, Perley Health; Yetunde Temi Adegbunrin, Collaborative Practice Leader, Perley Health

    This study explores the experiences of newly hired nurses and their mentors following their participation in a peer mentorship program at Perley Health. To evaluate the program, newly hired nurses (mentees) and experienced nurses (mentors) complete a one-time survey at the end of the program.

  9.  Knowing the Story of a Residents Life 
    Principal Investigator: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa

    This study explores the various ways that LTC staff across Canada learn the life stories of residents. Through a one-time online survey, staff of LTC homes shared their strategies for getting to know residents.
  10. Promoting Health and Well-being with a 12-week Multi-Component Program for Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care Homes 
    Principal Investigator: Dr. Suey Yeung, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health Co-Principal Investigators: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa; Danielle Sinden, Director, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health 

    This study explores the impact of a multi-component program on the physical function, cognitive function, nutritional status, and quality of life of LTC residents of Perley Health. Eligible residents will engage in physical exercise and brain exercise in groups (both twice a week for 12 weeks). Nutrition education will be provided on up to three occasions. Healthy snacks and/or supplements will be given as needed. Participants will also complete a 1-hour health assessment on up to three occasions.

    This project has received financial support from Mitacs through the Mitacs Accelerate Program, University of Ottawa, and the Perley Health Foundation.

  11. Exploring the Impact of an Intergenerational EarlyON Playgroup 
    Investigators: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa; Danielle Sinden, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health; Michaela Adams, Research Associate, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health; Casandra Boushey, Project Lead, Intergenerational Services, Perley Health

    This project evaluates an intergenerational playgroup that is being piloted at Perley Health. Tenants, residents, parents, facilitators, and volunteers are invited to complete a survey at the end of the six-week program to provide feedback on participants' experiences, highlight areas for improvement, and highlight practices that are effective.
  12. Magic Table Implementation to Support Residents' Social Engagement

    Investigators: Danielle Cruise, Research Assistant, Perley Health; Mirou Jaana, Full Professor, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa; Danielle Sinden, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health

    The Magic Table is a projector that displays interactive games and activities to enhance residents' social engagement. This study presents the implementation of four Magic Table at Perley Health and assesses the facilitators/barriers, perceived benefits, and lessons learned from its implementation.

    This project has received financial support from the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI).

  13. Pain measurement and Reporting in Long-term Care Homes 
    Principal Investigator: Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa. 

    The purpose of this project is to highlight the challenges associated with the current methods of assessing and managing the pain of residents living in long-term care.
  14. Re:GARDE Program – Scaling of a Validated Virtual Reality Training Program for Improving Vision in Older Adults 
    Investigators: Dr. Michael Reber, Lead Investigator, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network; Dr. Lora Appel, Co-Principal Investigator, York University, Affiliate Scientist, OpenLab, University Health Network; Danielle Sinden, Director, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health 

    You're invited to join our research study, "Re:Garde," aimed at improving vision health in older adults. Conducted by Perley Health in collaboration with the esteemed Krembil Research Institute (Toronto) and York University, this study employs virtual reality (VR) technology to enhance visual attention and perception.

    Who can participate? To be eligible for this study, individuals must be:
    (1) Aged 65 years or older
    (2) English-speaking
    (3) Have healthy vision without glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration
    (4) Must be Perley Health community members - staff, residents, tenants, family members, and/or friends and loved ones of residents and tenants.

    What's involved? Over the course of 7 weeks participants will engage in scheduled tests in the clinic (45 minutes in length), custom-created VR games to train their eyes for approximately (20 minutes every other day), and a final interview (30 minutes). You can participate from the comfort of your home or at the Perley Health Centre of Excellence (CoE).

    Why participate? Help contribute to cutting-edge research, train your eyes for visual attention and perception, and help shape future treatments for vision health in older adults!

    Want to learn more? Visit https://prescribingvr.com/regarde to watch study videos and gain further insight into the study.

    Ready to sign up or have questions? Contact us at regarde@perleyhealth.ca OR call Nam at 647-629-0300.  Your participation could make a significant difference in advancing our understanding and treatment of vision health in older adults. This project has received financial support from AGE-WELL.
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  15. Engaging long-term care residents, their families, and staff in the research life-cycle.
    Investigators: Heather MacLeod, Knowledge Translation Specialist, Perley Health; Linda Hunter, Patient Partner; Danielle Sinden, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Dr. Annie Robitaille, Commissionaires Ottawa Research Chair, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Dr. Benoît Robert, Chief Medical Officer, Perley Health

    The purpose of this project is to develop a framework for meaningful inclusion of residents and their family members as part of the research team for research projects completed through the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™. The project involves a preliminary survey on important components of a citizen engagement framework for the long-term care sector and a full day meeting to discuss these components. The meeting will be held at Perley Health on May 29th, 2024 with 30 participants including residents, family members, researchers and experts in citizen engagement.

    This project has received financial support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research .

  16. Pilot Implementation of PainChek to Support Staff Members in Assessing Residents' Pain
    Investigators: Mirou Jaana, Full Professor, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa; Danielle Cruise, Research Assistant, Perley Health; Danielle Sinden, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health

    PainChek is an artificial intelligence powered mobile application to help support staff members when assessing the pain of residents with cognitive impairment. Using a pre-post design, this study will assess the implementation and effectiveness of the PainChek tool in the Gatineau Building at Perley Health. We also aim to obtain a better understanding of registered staff members' confidence in assessing pain in residents with cognitive impairment. This project has received financial support from the Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI).

  17. What is Your Call: A 90-Year Old Man with A Suspected Hip Fracture
    Investigators: Dr. Benoît Robert, Chief Medical Officer, Perley Health; Dr. Amy Hsu, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Bruyère Research Institute; Danielle Cruise, Research Assistant, Perley Health; Samantha Hallgren, Psychogeriatric Nurse, Perley Health; Kathryn May, Nurse Practitioner, The Ottawa Hospital

    Limited guidance exists for clinicians to determine whether an operative or palliative approach is most appropriate for frail older adults who have sustained a hip fracture. This research presents a case review of an older adult who was treated with a palliative approach after sustaining a hip fracture. The information obtained from this project can better inform the decision-making surrounding palliative approaches to hip fractures and areas of future research.

  18. Pilot Implementation and Evaluation of an Artificial Intelligence Technology in Long-Term Care
    Investigators: Mirou Jaana, Full Professor, Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa; Danielle Cruise, Research Assistant, Perley Health; Danielle Sinden, Director of the Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health

    Esprit-AI is an artificial intelligence-powered technology that utilizes pressure-sensing mats and room sensors in key areas (e.g., exits) to detect the movement of long-term care (LTC) residents. The purpose of the technology is to help with the early identification of possible high-risk situations, including falls and wandering (that could lead to responsive behaviours) to intervene early and reduce resident's risk of harm. Using a pre-post design, this study will pilot the use of Esprit-AI in one unit of the Gatineau building over one year. The results obtained from this project will help us better understand the impact of the technology in an LTC setting and staff members' satisfaction with its use.

    This study received funding from the Ontario Bioscience Innovation Organization.

  19. Conceptual Frameworks for Understanding Physician's Choice of Specialization Throughout Their Medical Careers
    Principal Investigators: Dr. Amy Hsu, Centre of Excellence in Frailty-Informed Care™, Perley Health, Bruyère Research Institute

    This scoping review will report on the available literature from six databases to develop a conceptual framework for understanding how physicians select a medical specialty within their careers. The results of this study will help us to better understand why physicians select specific medical specialties. This information can be used to develop initiatives that can support and attract physicians to practice in the long-term care sector.     

Contact Information

If you are interested in participating or would like to learn more about a particular project, please contact:

Michaela Adams,
Research Associate, Centre of Excellence

Perley Health
1750 Russell Road, Ottawa ON K1G 5Z6
613-526-7170 ext. 2425
madams@perleyhealth.ca