The Helen Carswell Research Chair in Dementia Care, funded by the Carswell Family Foundation in honour of the late Helen Carswell, and in collaboration with the helps advance much needed research in dementia care. With the leadership of Dr. Matthias Hoben this program of research seeks to make a difference in the lives of people living with dementia and those who care for them.
The Helen Carswell Chair in Dementia Care stands at the forefront of pioneering research aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals living with dementia, as well as their family and friend caregivers. It is dedicated to advancing our understanding and implementation of effective dementia care programs, including adult day programs and respite services, to ensure the highest quality of life for those affected by dementia. Our mission is underpinned by a commitment to excellence in research, with a focus addressing critical knowledge gaps and fostering a care environment that respects the diverse needs of all individuals living with dementia.
Dr. Matthias Hoben
and Helen Carswell Chair in Dementia Care at 91亚色. Dr. Hoben's research aims to understand and improve the health and wellbeing of individuals living with dementia, their family and friend care partners, and their paid caregivers.
Carswell Family Foundation
Carswell Family Foundation between 91亚色 and the Alzheimer Society of 91亚色 Region to lead an evaluation research program of Alzheimer鈥檚 and dementia care programs.
Alzheimer Society
offers support, education, navigation and DAY programs to people impacted by dementia. Learn about the organization's history, partners, leadership team, career opportunities and more.
Our Research in Action:
Counting What Counts: Feedback Report
This national study examines the quality of life of nursing home residents living with dementia across five Canadian provinces. By measuring social and health determinants alongside resident well-being, the project highlights where inequities may exist and how care environments can better support residents. The findings help make invisible challenges visible so improvements can be targeted where they matter most.
Read the Report
Genevieve Odoom on CTV at Our Future is Aging Conference in Halifax
Featuring Genevieve Odoom (PhD Candidate) supervised by Dr. Hoben, this video highlights key discussions from the 3rd , focusing on the growing aging population in Canada and the need to translate research into practical policy and support.
What effects do day programs have on older adults and caregivers?
Population Data BC has approved access to linked health and administrative data for a large, population-based retrospective cohort study examining adult day programs. The project, led by Dr. Matthias Hoben at 91亚色 and funded by The Carswell Family Foundation, will compare attendees and non-attendees across Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba and involve caregivers, Alzheimer societies, program staff, and policy makers to ensure findings directly inform practice and policy.
Ontario Caregiver Coalition Collaborations
In collaboration with the , Dr. Hoben helped design and implement a caregiver survey that received 612 responses. Based on this data, Dr. Hoben co-authored (with a fifth in progress), including leading the brief on . Insights from the research on adult day programs significantly informed these publications.
Improving Support for Adult Day Programs Caring for Persons Living With Dementia in the 91亚色 Region: A Policy Brief Targeting Health Authorities
This policy brief highlights the significant challenges facing publicly funded adult day programs for people living with dementia in Ontario鈥檚 91亚色 Region. Key issues include insufficient funding, inadequate referral and eligibility processes, and limited support services, all of which hinder program accessibility and effectiveness. There is an urgent need to address these systemic barriers by improving funding, staffing, transportation, and care coordination to enhance support for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.
Link to Policy Brief
Our Future is Aging: Multidisciplinary Research Informing People, Policy & Practice
Our research team and collaborators - including Andrea Ubell (Alzheimer Society of 91亚色 Region) and Samantha Peck (Family Councils Ontario) - recently shared new insights at the in Halifax. Presentations focused on alternate level of care (ALC), adult day programs, and quality of life in long-term care facilities. With strong contributions from individuals with lived experience, such as Hom Shrestha (PhD Student), the presentations emphasized collaborative approaches to aging that reflect the needs and priorities of older adults and their caregivers.
Explore the Presentations.
Dr. Hoben on Let's Get Real podcast
Dr. Hoben joined the podcast to discuss dementia - what it is, how it affects individuals and their caregivers, and what steps can be taken following a diagnosis. Drawing on his research focused on enhancing the quality of life for people living with dementia, their families, and caregivers, Dr. Hoben shared evidence-based insights and practical guidance for navigating the challenges of dementia care.
CAG 2024 Agents of Change: Unraveling Complexity and Advancing Transformations
At the 2024 , our research team - together with Andrea Ubell (Alzheimer Society of 91亚色 Region) and Ali Cada (Alzheimer Society of Calgary) - presented a national program of research evaluating adult day programs for people living with dementia and their caregivers. Supported by realist reviews, cohort studies, and extensive interest holder engagement, the research aims to fill critical knowledge gaps and inform evidence-based improvements in policy and practice to enhance quality of life for day program attendees and caregivers.
Explore the Presentations
New CIHR-Funded Study on Adult Day Programs and Dementia Care
Dr. Hoben, alongside colleagues Dr. Daly and Dr. Ginsburg from the 91亚色 Centre for Aging Research & Education (YU-CARE), has been awarded $750,000 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Aging. The team is studying the impact of adult day programs on individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, particularly those from equity-deserving groups. This national, collaborative project aims to better understand how and why these programs work, and how they can be improved to better support care at home.
Read the Article
Counting What Counts: Quality of Life in Long-Term Care - Update
Counting What Counts study led by Dr. Hoben, examined how health, social, financial, and home-level characteristics affect the quality of life for LTC residents with dementia. With over 70 participating homes across five provinces, the study recently wrapped up data collection. Participating homes will receive personalized feedback, and sessions where participants will explore ways to enhance resident well-being.
Participate and Learn More
If you would like to learn more about our ongoing studies or explore opportunities to participate, contact us today.