We are pleased to announce the recipients of the inaugural 2024 AWARD Network Research Fellowship Awards!
Alfred Boakye, PhD Student, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Mentor: Jennifer Craft Morgan, PhD, Professor of Gerontology and Director, Gerontology Institute, Georgia State University, Emory Rollins School of Public Health
“Implementation of Trauma-Informed Coping Strategies among Direct Care Workers of People Living with Dementia in Baltimore-Maryland”
Direct care workers play a key role in supporting the quality of care and quality of life of people living with dementia, yet these workers—who are disproportionately women and people of color—are themselves at high risk of experiencing high emotional stress, low pay, infection and injury, inadequate access to relevant training, and limited paid sick leave, among other forms of trauma. This fellowship, which sets the foundation for a dissertation on implementing trauma-informed principles to build resilience among direct care workers in dementia care, seeks to understand currently available personal and organizational resources for these workers in nursing homes through survey research. The findings, which will be presented in conferences and through a publication or report, will inform future trauma-informed intervention opportunities in nursing homes.
Alexandra Llovet, MD/PhD Student, Emory Rollins School of Public Health
Mentor: Regina A. Shih, PhD, Professor of Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management
“The Present and Future of Adult Day Services for Hispanics with Dementia: Understanding the Workforce Needs and Utilization of Adult Day Services”
There is limited evidence on the demand for and utilization of adult day services among Hispanic older adults living with dementia, which precludes health care systems from taking informed steps to build the adult day services workforce to meet the current and future needs of this population. This pilot study will explore the use of adult day services among Hispanic older adults through a mixed-methods approach comprising service mapping, epidemiologic data, and key informant interviews. The findings will be presented through a report or peer-reviewed publication that identifies unmet needs for Hispanic older adults who receive adult day services, barriers to accessing services, and recommendations for future interventions to build a sufficient and competent workforce.