"I say yes to participate in research because it can lead to more support for seniors."
– Carol Purves, Kelowna
At 74 years of age, Kelowna, B.C. resident Carol Purves has regained her rhythm after losing her husband and true love, Ken, in 2019. Accessing a plethora of community services available to her and gaining friendships along the way, Purves has built a community of support that continues to nurture her mind and body.
“I decided to take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way in my senior years,” says Purves.
Purves is among several individuals participating in a study led by Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher Dr. Kerry Wilbur and University of British Columbia (UBC) graduate student, Anu Awotunde. The study — which is still recruiting participants — is expanding knowledge on older adults and the people who form their care networks.
Of particular interest to researchers is to gain new insights into how care professionals connect and communicate with older adults, with the ultimate goal to improve care team collaborations and patient care.
Purves and other study participants aged 65 and older are being recruited in Vancouver and Kelowna to take part in conversations of 60 minutes or less with the study team. Information drawn from these interviews is forming part of a body of research designed to optimize care for Canada’s aging population, one quarter of which is expected to comprise people over 65 years of age by 2035.
“We are in the midst of a demographic shift, with significant implications for our public health care system,” states Wilbur. “Care for older adults is often more complex, requiring input from multiple care providers in various settings.”
Achieving patient-centered care within this interconnected system can be challenging for both care teams and patients. A better understanding of communication processes is vital to determine who older adults identify as integral members of their medical and social networks, says Wilbur.
“Older adults bring to the table direct experience with accessing care in their communities,” adds Awotunde. “Their lived experiences help us to learn more about their care preferences and available options, such as what types of care older adults frequently seek out and how they want to receive that care, whether it be in person, over the phone or online.”
Purves says her health care experience reached new heights after she followed the advice of a neighbour and applied to enroll at the Seniors Health and Wellness Centre in Kelowna.
“They really spend time with you at the Centre,” recalls Purves. “There is an entire team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nutritionists and others who I can turn to for assistance, all in one place.”
“The care I receive at the Seniors Health and Wellness Centre has been an amazing help.”
The team at the Centre gave Purves techniques to improve her back pain, such as lying in bed in a more back-friendly manner, she shares. “This made a tremendous difference for me.”
The Seniors Health and Wellness Centre team also spotted and offered treatment for Purves's limp. “I didn't even know that I had one,” Purves admits. “They told me what equipment to get, and suggested that I use a walker in my house. I now walk with two walking sticks."
Diagnosed with pre-diabetes, Purves found support through an online group who helped her revamp her diet. She also started participating in an online fitness class three times per week, following an invitation from a friend.
“We [the group of participants] meet in person for lunch or coffee once per month to socialize and catch up,” says Purves. “They have become like an extended family to me.”
On top of her many friend groups, Purves spends time with her three sons, daughters-in-law, six grandchildren and their pets.
“All of these communities have supported me through the grieving process after my husband died,” she says. “It makes you feel like your heart is beating with theirs, and reminds you that you are not alone.”
The “Investigating the care of older adults: A social network analysis” study is recruiting. Please visit here for more information.
This is one patient's story of participating in a research study. Your experience may differ. Learn about clinical trials before participating.
