Collaborative Research Grant Initiative: Mental Wellness in Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
In 2008, 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 is 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. A Steering Committee was established to guide the planning and implementation of the CRGI.
Six Domains of Investigation
The Steering Committee identified six areas of interest to the Ministry and in need of further exploration.
- 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*
A two-day facilitated priority-setting event was held in January 2009 to refine these domains into research questions. Background reports were commissioned for areas (marked above with asterisks) within five of the six domains to identify strengths and gaps in the existing literature, and assist in making recommendations as to where further research is required. Presentations based on the findings of the backgrounders were made during the priority-setting event. The specific research questions generated by the participants were vetted through the Steering Committee and subsequently brought forward to and approved by the Minister of Seniors and Community Supports.
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.