Collaborative Research Grant Initiative: Mental Wellness in Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
The former Alberta Mental Health Board (now Alberta Health Services) was granted $3M in funding from the Ministry of Seniors and Community Supports to advance applied research activity in mental health within areas of interest to their Ministry. The focus will be on generating knowledge to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the programs, services, and support to respond to the mental health needs of seniors and adults with disabilities.
The grant is intended to support both academic and practitioner-driven investigation to assist seniors and adults with disabilities living with a mental illness, in order to maximize their independence in the community.
Scope
The scope of the "mental health issues" is broadly defined as including individuals with mental illness (including addiction), cognitive disabilities (e.g., dementia), and intellectual impairments, as well as behavioural issues associated with these conditions. Allowances are being created to foster and encourage investigation examining strengths of individuals, programs, or services within the realm of preventing mental illness among seniors and adults with disabilities and supporting those who have existing mental health issues.
Areas of Exclusion
Given the inclusion criteria defined above, research funding is not anticipated to support research in the following areas:
- basic/biomedical research (Pillars 1 and 2, CIHR)
- children or youth (although transition to adult services and supports may be studied)
- early life experience (i.e., aetiology)
- clinical treatment options for mental health
- operational funding for new or existing interventions or programs
This initiative and resultant research funding will play a part in advancing one of the four research priority areas outlined in the three-year business plan for the Research Partnership Program, namely "Increasing the Effectiveness of Mental Health Services and System".
Process
Background reports were commissioned in five of the six domains (listed below). The Backgrounder presentations informed a two-day facilitated Consultation Group meeting, where representatives from service delivery, policy, health and mental health, and research environments elaborated on the domains, leading to research questions in these areas of interest. These research questions are intended to assist in determining funding disbursements made under this initiative.
The specific research questions generated by the Consultation Group were vetted through the Project Steering Committee and subsequently brought forward to and approved by the Minister of Seniors and Community Supports.
Six Domains of Investigation
- Independent living: Supports and barriers
- Employment
- Early identification and prevention: Protective and risk factors
- Poly-pharmacy: Risks associated with using several medications
- Strength-based approaches
- System capability to respond to those with complex needs
Grants
Three levels of funding are available through the Collaborative Research Grant Initiative: Mental Wellness in Seniors and Persons with Disabilities. Projects will occur over a 1-3 year period and will concentrate on relevant/practical issues. More details are provided on the Grants page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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