October 25, 2021

WATERLOO, Ont. – The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) has been awarded the 2021 Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute for Aging Betty Havens Prize for Knowledge Mobilization in Aging. The prize recognizes outstanding achievements and excellence in bridging the gap between aging research and practice.  

“We are thrilled to receive the Betty Havens Prize and be recognized as an organization for bridging the gap between research and impact,” said Ron Schlegel, Chair of the Board at the RIA. “The RIA’s research and staff team work collaboratively with many partners to put research into practice so it can benefit the lives of older adults across Canada.” 

This award recognizes the contributions of three RIA initiatives addressing nutrition, dementia care and infection control respectively. All of which promote best practices in care to enhance quality of life for older adults. 

“The initiatives being recognized by the Betty Havens Prize are prime examples of how we’re driving innovation to enhance quality of life for older Canadians, including those living with dementia and living in long-term care,” said Tina Mah, RIA Executive Director. “We’re excited to expand this important work.”

The CHOICE+ resources support senior living staff in providing person-centred care at mealtimes and creating environments that promote good nutrition and overall well-being.  The resources were created in response to research that showed the type of support provided and the mealtime environment in long-term care (LTC) makes a difference. 

Addressing a gap in dementia education, LIVING the Dementia Journey is a training program for those who support people living with dementia. Participants gain awareness and understanding that changes the way they view the condition, and the way they support people living with it. 

The third initiative highlighted is a collection of education modules on infection prevention and control for team members in LTC.  The education was developed by the Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care at the RIA to address a pressing need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The RIA is honoured to receive this recognition, and the award was presented virtually at the Canadian Association on Gerontology conference on October 23.

About the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing quality of life and care for older adults. The RIA tackles some of the biggest issues facing an aging population by integrating research, education and practice. The RIA develops solutions that make a difference to benefit older adults everywhere.  

The RIA supports a world-class research team, including nine Schlegel Research Chairs (soon to be 14), four Schlegel Specialists, and over 20 research scientists.  The RIA has core partnerships with Schlegel Villages, University of Waterloo and Conestoga College, and collaborates with many other academic institutions and organizations.  The RIA is located in Waterloo with unique-in-the-world infrastructure that brings together researchers, students, health professionals, older adults and care partners to learn with and from each other.  

Learn more at www.the-ria.ca.

Media Contact

Hilary Dunn-Ridgeway, Director of Communications
Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging
hilary.dunn-ridgeway@the-ria.ca