Research

Center for Clinical Research on Aging

Director

Associate Director

Overview

Established in 1999, the Elaine C. Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging builds on years of research at the University of Rochester School of Nursing to improve the well being of older persons. Dating back to the early 1970s, School of Nursing researchers were among the first to demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary care planning for the chronically ill. Their work illustrated how all facets of care must be addressed to fully meet the needs of those with health problems, as well as those who care for and about them.

The Center provides pivotal linkages between faculty researchers, nurses, physicians, and other health care providers, and the community to foster partnerships around common research interests.

Center activities include federally funded research projects, study programs, and a range of services to advance research on preventing and managing chronic illness in vulnerable people.

Objective

It's estimated that about 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 every day and the number of those over 85 will increase five-fold within 20 years. As more people live longer, factors such as difficulties with physical and cognitive function, chronic illness, chronic pain, and depression increase. Our traditional ways of understanding and accommodating the aging process are no longer adequate. Health care models and measures used for the general population are often inappropriate for the elderly and too few health care professionals are being trained in geriatrics. It has been said that the measure of a healthy and civilized society is how well it treats its elderly. Improving the experience of aging is an invaluable contribution to improving the world.

Areas of Emphasis

Improving the care and quality of lives of persons living in nursing homes especially those with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias
Improving care and reducing costs related to urinary incontinence in nursing homes
Complex decision-making involved in end-of-life care
Oral health and care is a neglected aspect in the nursing home

Achievements

The School of Nursing was cited in 2000 as one of the nations top four programs in the country for geriatric nursing scholarship, according to ranking from the journal of Gerontological Nursing.
The Center's work has already had a positive influence on the overall health and well being of the elderly in Rochester and beyond. Widespread dissemination of research findings by the faculty has influenced health care practice and policy at the national level.
The Center is one of seven designated as a John A. Hartford Foundation Geriatric Investment Fund site. Find out more.
The Center has founded a region-wide program called The Community Initiative To Improve Nursing Home and Dementia Care that reaches over 100 nursing homes and assisted living facilities in our area.
We are the first (and only) School of Nursing to establish and lead a NICHE Program in our affiliated hospital system (Strong Health). Started in 1992, NICHE has evolved into a national geriatric nursing program comprising 197 active sites in 38 states as well as parts of Canada and The Netherlands. It is a program of The John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University. The goal of NICHE is to achieve systematic nursing change that will benefit hospitalized older patients. The vision of NICHE is for all patients 65 and over to be given sensitive and exemplary care.