Lori E. Weeks - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Lori E. Weeks

Technology is impacting the way we teach and the way students learn. The purpose of this study is... more Technology is impacting the way we teach and the way students learn. The purpose of this study is to gather information on technology choices in Family Science courses and to explore what is driving the way Family Science instructors are choosing to integrate technology in their courses. What sets our study apart, is our focus on the use of technology in Family Science classrooms. The adoption of technology is often done without fully taking time to analyze why we are using it, what is accomplished through its use and what the consequences may be. Ideally instructors engage in critical reflection about what technology we are using and why and how the selected technology should facilitate learning, encourage student engagement and higher order learning outcomes. Keywords: technology, teaching, instructors

Gerontology & geriatrics education, Jan 17, 2016

Both the need for interprofessional teamwork and the global challenges for health care systems of... more Both the need for interprofessional teamwork and the global challenges for health care systems of dramatically increasing numbers of older adults have received increased recognition in gerontological and geriatrics education. We report on the pilot development of a hybrid course on aging and health for graduate-level health professions students from Norway, Canada, and the US. International faculty from partnering universities developed, taught, and evaluated the course. Course assignments included online forum postings, reflections, and a problem-based learning (PBL) group assignment and presentation. Directed readings and discussion included topics related to health care systems and services in the three participating countries, teamwork, and patient-centered care. To evaluate the course, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. Results indicate a significant impact on student learning outcomes, including understanding of issues in international aging an...

Journal of Women & Aging, 2008

This study examined the well-being of mid- and later-life mothers of developmentally disabled (DD... more This study examined the well-being of mid- and later-life mothers of developmentally disabled (DD) children. Mothers of DD children (n = 33) and mothers in a comparison group (n = 27) responded to a series of quantitative measures of well-being and open-ended questions. In general, quantitative results indicated lower levels of well-being for mothers of DD children. However, we examined these results within the contexts of educational and financial realities and access to adequate social support. Analysis of the qualitative data resulted in the themes of enhancements to well-being, challenges to well-being and normative experiences of being a parent. Results point to the need to further understand reciprocity in the mother-child relationships and the influence of severity of the developmental disability on mother's well-being.

Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 2009

Increasingly greater numbers of older parents are providing care at home for their sons and daugh... more Increasingly greater numbers of older parents are providing care at home for their sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities. As attention needs to be paid to the supports needed by such families to assist them with their caregiving activities, it is prudent to identify the types of supports that will be needed when the parents are no longer able to provide care. Working with a cohort of older parent carers in Prince Edward Island, Canada, the authors undertook to examine older carer concerns and planning issues. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the key issues that older parents of sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities are currently facing and their preferences for care in the future, the authors initiated a population-case-finding process, undertook pilot interviews with a sample, and then used the resultant qualitative data to form the quantitative component of the study. Of 132 identified families in the province, 10 parents voluntarily participated in pilot interviews, and 33 parents agreed to complete in-depth interviews. Analysis of qualitative data resulted in the following five themes: (1) worry about the future care of son or daughter;

This is a descriptive study of internships in Canadian family science undergraduate programs. In ... more This is a descriptive study of internships in Canadian family science undergraduate programs. In addition to a document review of 18 baccalaureate and certificate-level family science programs in Canada, faculty members representing eight Canadian academic institutions participated in interviews. Thirteen (72.2%) academic programs offered required or elective student placements. While similarities existed in the purpose of placements between academic institutions, various structural components of placements varied, including the type of placements offered, student-placement process, academic requirements related to the placements, student supervision, and faculty resources required. In addition, similarities and differences existed between the results from this study and results from previous studies conducted in the United States. Future research questions are identified. A family policy alternatives education approach (Bogenschneider, 2002) is used to identify seven possible directions for the future development of internships in family science. Pre-professional experience has many names and many purposes. Internships, practica, field experience, cooperative programs, experiential learning, community-based learning, service learning, part-time employment, and volunteer work are among the numerous ways that students can gain practical experience during their undergraduate studies (

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 2003

Journal of Women & Aging, 2016

Little is known about midlife and older women who experience intimate partner violence living in ... more Little is known about midlife and older women who experience intimate partner violence living in rural places and their resource needs. Guided by a strengths perspective, we provided insights into resources that midlife and older women use, or would like to use, in their journey in leaving an abusive partner. Eight women who had left an abusive partner participated in a face-to-face interview. They drew on a wide variety of paid and unpaid resources, while each woman had a unique set of resources that contributed to her being able to make such a significant life transition. It is clear that we need to have a variety of formal and informal resources available to older women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) in rural places, and new forms of resources need to be developed. Our results also indicate that increased efforts are needed in improving both public and professional education regarding older rural women and IPV.

Journal of Applied Gerontology, Mar 1, 2001

Fifty-seven community-dwelling older adults responded to hypothetical health care scenarios. The ... more Fifty-seven community-dwelling older adults responded to hypothetical health care scenarios. The older adults' willingness to accept care rose as their chances for recovery increased. They also were more likely to agree to treatment when responding from their current health status rather than when they presumed a state of permanent confusion. Five primary reasons emerged that guided the older adults' decision-making

Housing, Care and Support, 2005

We addressed how family factors influenced the future housing preferences of seniors. A total of ... more We addressed how family factors influenced the future housing preferences of seniors. A total of 100 adults ranging in age from 65 to 98 participated in face-to-face interviews. The vast majority of the respondents had no plans to move, and most wanted to remain living ...

The Canadian journal of nursing research = Revue canadienne de recherche en sciences infirmières, 2013

It is well documented that nursing is concerned about the social support needs of older adults an... more It is well documented that nursing is concerned about the social support needs of older adults and the effects of those needs on health and well-being. Using survey data from the Atlantic Seniors Housing Research Alliance, the authors explore the emotional and informational social support needs of community-dwelling Canadians aged 65 and older living in the Atlantic provinces. The results indicate that these needs are not being met fully and that they increase with age. Also, men and women report different insufficiencies for specific needs; more men than women report having no support across all items. Nurses should be sensitive to specific age and gender support needs of older adults. They should also increase their social assessments and promote healthy social networks, especially for those 80 years and older. Further nursing research is recommended.

Work (Reading, Mass.), 2011

Family support in end-of-life decision-making is critical, yet this issue receives little attenti... more Family support in end-of-life decision-making is critical, yet this issue receives little attention. The purpose of this research is to provide insight into how the clinical ethicist can effectively support family caregivers when making end-of-life healthcare decisions. It further suggests how the clinical ethicist can provide support to other healthcare professionals who work with family caregivers in making end-of-life healthcare decisions. Using a grounded theory approach, a theoretical sampling of 20 family caregivers previously involved in end-of-life decision-making were interviewed. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were audiotaped, and transcribed. Interviews were analyzed using a constant comparative approach. The analysis resulted in the identification of three categories related to the experience of decision-making: the impact of healthcare decision-making on individual and family well-being, the effectiveness of healthcare professionals in supporting families, and the ...

Journal of palliative care, 2008

In this research, we endeavoured to gain a clearer understanding of what impact hospice palliativ... more In this research, we endeavoured to gain a clearer understanding of what impact hospice palliative care (HPC) volunteers have on family caregivers and the underlying factors that contribute to this. We conducted ten face-to-face interviews with bereaved women who had previously provided care for their spouses and who used HPC volunteers. We checked our interpretation through a feedback focus group. Using a methodological hermeneutic approach, we came to understand the unique position HPC volunteers occupy within the formal health care system. Our constitutive organizing theme was manifest throughout the women's stories in seven thematic areas that explicate the dimensions of the overarching theme: the Unique Care Link. We identified seven themes that exemplify specific ways in which HPC volunteers have a positive impact on the lives of spousal caregivers. This knowledge can be incorporated into the further development of training and support programs for HPC volunteers, and to i...

Journal of gerontological nursing, 2008

This qualitative study identified influences on participation in physical activity among seniors ... more This qualitative study identified influences on participation in physical activity among seniors living in the community and in long-term care facilities. A total of 24 seniors participated in individual face-to-face interviews. Through thematic analysis, the overarching theme identified that past experiences, life transitions, and future concerns influence seniors' participation in physical activity. This overarching theme helps explain the complexity of physical activity participation in later life. The subthemes included intergenerational influences, establishment of early physical activity patterns, family transitions over the life course, changing health status over the life course, and future health concerns. A greater understanding of an individual's life history is paramount for nurses to help increase participation in physical activity among seniors.

Journal of Women & Aging, 2008

This study examined the well-being of mid- and later-life mothers of developmentally disabled (DD... more This study examined the well-being of mid- and later-life mothers of developmentally disabled (DD) children. Mothers of DD children (n = 33) and mothers in a comparison group (n = 27) responded to a series of quantitative measures of well-being and open-ended questions. In general, quantitative results indicated lower levels of well-being for mothers of DD children. However, we examined these results within the contexts of educational and financial realities and access to adequate social support. Analysis of the qualitative data resulted in the themes of enhancements to well-being, challenges to well-being and normative experiences of being a parent. Results point to the need to further understand reciprocity in the mother-child relationships and the influence of severity of the developmental disability on mother's well-being.

Journal of Women & Aging, 2011

In this systematic literature review, we synthesized the current knowledge of intimate partner vi... more In this systematic literature review, we synthesized the current knowledge of intimate partner violence experienced by older women. We identified 32 studies that included data collected from older women and synthesized the findings using the ecological model as an organizing framework. Themes in the microsystem included the immediate context in which the abuse takes place and impacts on older women. The mesosystem included themes on the older woman's relationships with her social network. Themes in the exosystem encompassed community-based services. Finally, themes in the macrosystem encompassed broad ideologies, mores, and influences of the geographic location. We used the ecological model to frame a discussion of implications for future research, policy, and practice.

Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 2009

Increasingly greater numbers of older parents are providing care at home for their sons and daugh... more Increasingly greater numbers of older parents are providing care at home for their sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities. As attention needs to be paid to the supports needed by such families to assist them with their caregiving activities, it is prudent to identify the types of supports that will be needed when the parents are no longer able to provide care. Working with a cohort of older parent carers in Prince Edward Island, Canada, the authors undertook to examine older carer concerns and planning issues. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the key issues that older parents of sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities are currently facing and their preferences for care in the future, the authors initiated a population-case-finding process, undertook pilot interviews with a sample, and then used the resultant qualitative data to form the quantitative component of the study. Of 132 identified families in the province, 10 parents voluntarily participated in pilot interviews, and 33 parents agreed to complete in-depth interviews. Analysis of qualitative data resulted in the following five themes: (1) worry about the future care of son or daughter; (2) concern about services funding; (3) having housing and care options; (4) lack of provider understanding of carer's needs; and (5) helping son or daughter become a productive and active member of society. Key issues identified through quantitative analysis included interactions with the government, the need for respite care, and meeting social and emotional needs. Preferred types of housing and care options included “small option homes” and services that provide care to both older parents and their sons and daughters. The authors' results emphasize the necessity of adequate supports being made available to older parents who wish to support their sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities at home and to ensure that desired supports are available in the future when they are no longer able to provide care.

Journal of Housing For the Elderly, 2012

ABSTRACT Having a greater understanding of what influences the older adults decisions to move and... more ABSTRACT Having a greater understanding of what influences the older adults decisions to move and the characteristics of older adults who are more likely to move is valuable to help plan for the housing needs of the expanding older adult population. The authors examined how contextual, push and pull factors influence preferences of older adults to relocate. A total of 1,015 community-dwelling older adults completed a survey. Results of logistic regression analysis indicated the following variables as significantly related to relocation: gender, age, household income, province resided in, driving status, whether the current home met the older adult's needs, and unmet heavy cleaning needs. Policies and services need to focus on identification of those at most risk of relocation and support them either in their preference to age in place or through the relocation process.

Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 2008

Journal of Family Violence, 2013

ABSTRACT This study addresses the extent to which transition houses, defined as residential facil... more ABSTRACT This study addresses the extent to which transition houses, defined as residential facilities for abused women and children, meet the needs of women in midlife and older. Seventeen transition house directors completed an on-line survey and eight participated in an interview. Women in midlife and older comprised 28 % of the transition house population. Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of three key themes: life at home and in the community, living in the transition house, and starting a new life. While policies, accessibility, privacy, support and outreach could be improved, the transition houses offered safety and security for women across the lifespan. Recommendations for research, policy and practice are included to ensure that transition houses offer a welcoming, suitable, and supportive environment for women in midlife and older.

Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 2005

Researchers are beginning to examine issues of age, gender, and abuse, but empirical data is lack... more Researchers are beginning to examine issues of age, gender, and abuse, but empirical data is lacking. The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify contextual variables, with a particular focus on gender, that may be related to the abuse of older adults. Abuse cases, as described by 121 professionals who worked with seniors, were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Three themes emerged through analysis of the qualitative data that provided insight into factors contributing to the abuse of older adults: characteristics of the abused senior, characteristics of the abuser, and the living environment. Results showed linkages between abuse of older adults, gender, and family.

Technology is impacting the way we teach and the way students learn. The purpose of this study is... more Technology is impacting the way we teach and the way students learn. The purpose of this study is to gather information on technology choices in Family Science courses and to explore what is driving the way Family Science instructors are choosing to integrate technology in their courses. What sets our study apart, is our focus on the use of technology in Family Science classrooms. The adoption of technology is often done without fully taking time to analyze why we are using it, what is accomplished through its use and what the consequences may be. Ideally instructors engage in critical reflection about what technology we are using and why and how the selected technology should facilitate learning, encourage student engagement and higher order learning outcomes. Keywords: technology, teaching, instructors

Gerontology & geriatrics education, Jan 17, 2016

Both the need for interprofessional teamwork and the global challenges for health care systems of... more Both the need for interprofessional teamwork and the global challenges for health care systems of dramatically increasing numbers of older adults have received increased recognition in gerontological and geriatrics education. We report on the pilot development of a hybrid course on aging and health for graduate-level health professions students from Norway, Canada, and the US. International faculty from partnering universities developed, taught, and evaluated the course. Course assignments included online forum postings, reflections, and a problem-based learning (PBL) group assignment and presentation. Directed readings and discussion included topics related to health care systems and services in the three participating countries, teamwork, and patient-centered care. To evaluate the course, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed. Results indicate a significant impact on student learning outcomes, including understanding of issues in international aging an...

Journal of Women & Aging, 2008

This study examined the well-being of mid- and later-life mothers of developmentally disabled (DD... more This study examined the well-being of mid- and later-life mothers of developmentally disabled (DD) children. Mothers of DD children (n = 33) and mothers in a comparison group (n = 27) responded to a series of quantitative measures of well-being and open-ended questions. In general, quantitative results indicated lower levels of well-being for mothers of DD children. However, we examined these results within the contexts of educational and financial realities and access to adequate social support. Analysis of the qualitative data resulted in the themes of enhancements to well-being, challenges to well-being and normative experiences of being a parent. Results point to the need to further understand reciprocity in the mother-child relationships and the influence of severity of the developmental disability on mother's well-being.

Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 2009

Increasingly greater numbers of older parents are providing care at home for their sons and daugh... more Increasingly greater numbers of older parents are providing care at home for their sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities. As attention needs to be paid to the supports needed by such families to assist them with their caregiving activities, it is prudent to identify the types of supports that will be needed when the parents are no longer able to provide care. Working with a cohort of older parent carers in Prince Edward Island, Canada, the authors undertook to examine older carer concerns and planning issues. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the key issues that older parents of sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities are currently facing and their preferences for care in the future, the authors initiated a population-case-finding process, undertook pilot interviews with a sample, and then used the resultant qualitative data to form the quantitative component of the study. Of 132 identified families in the province, 10 parents voluntarily participated in pilot interviews, and 33 parents agreed to complete in-depth interviews. Analysis of qualitative data resulted in the following five themes: (1) worry about the future care of son or daughter;

This is a descriptive study of internships in Canadian family science undergraduate programs. In ... more This is a descriptive study of internships in Canadian family science undergraduate programs. In addition to a document review of 18 baccalaureate and certificate-level family science programs in Canada, faculty members representing eight Canadian academic institutions participated in interviews. Thirteen (72.2%) academic programs offered required or elective student placements. While similarities existed in the purpose of placements between academic institutions, various structural components of placements varied, including the type of placements offered, student-placement process, academic requirements related to the placements, student supervision, and faculty resources required. In addition, similarities and differences existed between the results from this study and results from previous studies conducted in the United States. Future research questions are identified. A family policy alternatives education approach (Bogenschneider, 2002) is used to identify seven possible directions for the future development of internships in family science. Pre-professional experience has many names and many purposes. Internships, practica, field experience, cooperative programs, experiential learning, community-based learning, service learning, part-time employment, and volunteer work are among the numerous ways that students can gain practical experience during their undergraduate studies (

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, 2003

Journal of Women & Aging, 2016

Little is known about midlife and older women who experience intimate partner violence living in ... more Little is known about midlife and older women who experience intimate partner violence living in rural places and their resource needs. Guided by a strengths perspective, we provided insights into resources that midlife and older women use, or would like to use, in their journey in leaving an abusive partner. Eight women who had left an abusive partner participated in a face-to-face interview. They drew on a wide variety of paid and unpaid resources, while each woman had a unique set of resources that contributed to her being able to make such a significant life transition. It is clear that we need to have a variety of formal and informal resources available to older women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) in rural places, and new forms of resources need to be developed. Our results also indicate that increased efforts are needed in improving both public and professional education regarding older rural women and IPV.

Journal of Applied Gerontology, Mar 1, 2001

Fifty-seven community-dwelling older adults responded to hypothetical health care scenarios. The ... more Fifty-seven community-dwelling older adults responded to hypothetical health care scenarios. The older adults' willingness to accept care rose as their chances for recovery increased. They also were more likely to agree to treatment when responding from their current health status rather than when they presumed a state of permanent confusion. Five primary reasons emerged that guided the older adults' decision-making

Housing, Care and Support, 2005

We addressed how family factors influenced the future housing preferences of seniors. A total of ... more We addressed how family factors influenced the future housing preferences of seniors. A total of 100 adults ranging in age from 65 to 98 participated in face-to-face interviews. The vast majority of the respondents had no plans to move, and most wanted to remain living ...

The Canadian journal of nursing research = Revue canadienne de recherche en sciences infirmières, 2013

It is well documented that nursing is concerned about the social support needs of older adults an... more It is well documented that nursing is concerned about the social support needs of older adults and the effects of those needs on health and well-being. Using survey data from the Atlantic Seniors Housing Research Alliance, the authors explore the emotional and informational social support needs of community-dwelling Canadians aged 65 and older living in the Atlantic provinces. The results indicate that these needs are not being met fully and that they increase with age. Also, men and women report different insufficiencies for specific needs; more men than women report having no support across all items. Nurses should be sensitive to specific age and gender support needs of older adults. They should also increase their social assessments and promote healthy social networks, especially for those 80 years and older. Further nursing research is recommended.

Work (Reading, Mass.), 2011

Family support in end-of-life decision-making is critical, yet this issue receives little attenti... more Family support in end-of-life decision-making is critical, yet this issue receives little attention. The purpose of this research is to provide insight into how the clinical ethicist can effectively support family caregivers when making end-of-life healthcare decisions. It further suggests how the clinical ethicist can provide support to other healthcare professionals who work with family caregivers in making end-of-life healthcare decisions. Using a grounded theory approach, a theoretical sampling of 20 family caregivers previously involved in end-of-life decision-making were interviewed. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were audiotaped, and transcribed. Interviews were analyzed using a constant comparative approach. The analysis resulted in the identification of three categories related to the experience of decision-making: the impact of healthcare decision-making on individual and family well-being, the effectiveness of healthcare professionals in supporting families, and the ...

Journal of palliative care, 2008

In this research, we endeavoured to gain a clearer understanding of what impact hospice palliativ... more In this research, we endeavoured to gain a clearer understanding of what impact hospice palliative care (HPC) volunteers have on family caregivers and the underlying factors that contribute to this. We conducted ten face-to-face interviews with bereaved women who had previously provided care for their spouses and who used HPC volunteers. We checked our interpretation through a feedback focus group. Using a methodological hermeneutic approach, we came to understand the unique position HPC volunteers occupy within the formal health care system. Our constitutive organizing theme was manifest throughout the women's stories in seven thematic areas that explicate the dimensions of the overarching theme: the Unique Care Link. We identified seven themes that exemplify specific ways in which HPC volunteers have a positive impact on the lives of spousal caregivers. This knowledge can be incorporated into the further development of training and support programs for HPC volunteers, and to i...

Journal of gerontological nursing, 2008

This qualitative study identified influences on participation in physical activity among seniors ... more This qualitative study identified influences on participation in physical activity among seniors living in the community and in long-term care facilities. A total of 24 seniors participated in individual face-to-face interviews. Through thematic analysis, the overarching theme identified that past experiences, life transitions, and future concerns influence seniors' participation in physical activity. This overarching theme helps explain the complexity of physical activity participation in later life. The subthemes included intergenerational influences, establishment of early physical activity patterns, family transitions over the life course, changing health status over the life course, and future health concerns. A greater understanding of an individual's life history is paramount for nurses to help increase participation in physical activity among seniors.

Journal of Women & Aging, 2008

This study examined the well-being of mid- and later-life mothers of developmentally disabled (DD... more This study examined the well-being of mid- and later-life mothers of developmentally disabled (DD) children. Mothers of DD children (n = 33) and mothers in a comparison group (n = 27) responded to a series of quantitative measures of well-being and open-ended questions. In general, quantitative results indicated lower levels of well-being for mothers of DD children. However, we examined these results within the contexts of educational and financial realities and access to adequate social support. Analysis of the qualitative data resulted in the themes of enhancements to well-being, challenges to well-being and normative experiences of being a parent. Results point to the need to further understand reciprocity in the mother-child relationships and the influence of severity of the developmental disability on mother's well-being.

Journal of Women & Aging, 2011

In this systematic literature review, we synthesized the current knowledge of intimate partner vi... more In this systematic literature review, we synthesized the current knowledge of intimate partner violence experienced by older women. We identified 32 studies that included data collected from older women and synthesized the findings using the ecological model as an organizing framework. Themes in the microsystem included the immediate context in which the abuse takes place and impacts on older women. The mesosystem included themes on the older woman's relationships with her social network. Themes in the exosystem encompassed community-based services. Finally, themes in the macrosystem encompassed broad ideologies, mores, and influences of the geographic location. We used the ecological model to frame a discussion of implications for future research, policy, and practice.

Journal of Policy and Practice in Intellectual Disabilities, 2009

Increasingly greater numbers of older parents are providing care at home for their sons and daugh... more Increasingly greater numbers of older parents are providing care at home for their sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities. As attention needs to be paid to the supports needed by such families to assist them with their caregiving activities, it is prudent to identify the types of supports that will be needed when the parents are no longer able to provide care. Working with a cohort of older parent carers in Prince Edward Island, Canada, the authors undertook to examine older carer concerns and planning issues. Using both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the key issues that older parents of sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities are currently facing and their preferences for care in the future, the authors initiated a population-case-finding process, undertook pilot interviews with a sample, and then used the resultant qualitative data to form the quantitative component of the study. Of 132 identified families in the province, 10 parents voluntarily participated in pilot interviews, and 33 parents agreed to complete in-depth interviews. Analysis of qualitative data resulted in the following five themes: (1) worry about the future care of son or daughter; (2) concern about services funding; (3) having housing and care options; (4) lack of provider understanding of carer's needs; and (5) helping son or daughter become a productive and active member of society. Key issues identified through quantitative analysis included interactions with the government, the need for respite care, and meeting social and emotional needs. Preferred types of housing and care options included “small option homes” and services that provide care to both older parents and their sons and daughters. The authors' results emphasize the necessity of adequate supports being made available to older parents who wish to support their sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities at home and to ensure that desired supports are available in the future when they are no longer able to provide care.

Journal of Housing For the Elderly, 2012

ABSTRACT Having a greater understanding of what influences the older adults decisions to move and... more ABSTRACT Having a greater understanding of what influences the older adults decisions to move and the characteristics of older adults who are more likely to move is valuable to help plan for the housing needs of the expanding older adult population. The authors examined how contextual, push and pull factors influence preferences of older adults to relocate. A total of 1,015 community-dwelling older adults completed a survey. Results of logistic regression analysis indicated the following variables as significantly related to relocation: gender, age, household income, province resided in, driving status, whether the current home met the older adult's needs, and unmet heavy cleaning needs. Policies and services need to focus on identification of those at most risk of relocation and support them either in their preference to age in place or through the relocation process.

Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 2008

Journal of Family Violence, 2013

ABSTRACT This study addresses the extent to which transition houses, defined as residential facil... more ABSTRACT This study addresses the extent to which transition houses, defined as residential facilities for abused women and children, meet the needs of women in midlife and older. Seventeen transition house directors completed an on-line survey and eight participated in an interview. Women in midlife and older comprised 28 % of the transition house population. Thematic analysis resulted in the identification of three key themes: life at home and in the community, living in the transition house, and starting a new life. While policies, accessibility, privacy, support and outreach could be improved, the transition houses offered safety and security for women across the lifespan. Recommendations for research, policy and practice are included to ensure that transition houses offer a welcoming, suitable, and supportive environment for women in midlife and older.

Journal of Elder Abuse & Neglect, 2005

Researchers are beginning to examine issues of age, gender, and abuse, but empirical data is lack... more Researchers are beginning to examine issues of age, gender, and abuse, but empirical data is lacking. The purpose of this exploratory study was to identify contextual variables, with a particular focus on gender, that may be related to the abuse of older adults. Abuse cases, as described by 121 professionals who worked with seniors, were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Three themes emerged through analysis of the qualitative data that provided insight into factors contributing to the abuse of older adults: characteristics of the abused senior, characteristics of the abuser, and the living environment. Results showed linkages between abuse of older adults, gender, and family.

Technology is impacting the way we teach and the way students learn. The purpose of this study is... more Technology is impacting the way we teach and the way students learn. The purpose of this study is to gather information on technology choices in Family Science courses and to explore what is driving the way Family Science instructors are choosing to integrate technology in their courses. What sets our study apart, is our focus on the use of technology in Family Science classrooms. The adoption of technology is often done without fully taking time to analyze why we are using it, what is accomplished through its use and what the consequences may be. Ideally instructors engage in critical reflection about what technology we are using and why and how the selected technology should facilitate learning, encourage student engagement and higher order learning outcomes.

Keywords: technology, teaching, instructors