I am an epidemiologist with interests in involving people with lived experience in research. My research relates primarily to dementia, care of older adults, social connection, and long-term care homes. I am interested in using large health administrative and survey datasets for research and reporting. I co-lead an international study to develop a measure of social connection for long-term care homes (the SONNET study). I co-lead the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA) Engagement of People with Lived Experience (EPLED) program. I am working with long-term care home residents and knowledge users at the Ontario Association of Residents' Councils (OARC) to develop a resource for long-term care homes.

Study Status: completed

Institute: KITE Research Institute

Study Purpose: We created and tested a new way to measure social connection for people living in long-term care (LTC) homes. Our goal was to support better research, policies, and care practices that improve residents’ health and wellbeing.

Background: Social connection is important for mental and physical health, and for quality of life. But current research tools weren’t necessarily designed for, or tested in, LTC settings.

Study Methods: We worked closely with an international team of researchers and people with lived experience. First, we reviewed all existing tools used to measure social connection in LTC homes. Then, we interviewed 67 people in Canada and the UK—including residents, family members, and staff—to learn what social connection for LTC residents means to them. Using this information, we developed a new measure and tested it with 163 residents in both countries.

Key Findings: We found that none of the existing measures could be recommended for LTC homes. We also found that key elements of social connection include interacting with other residents and staff, staying in touch with people outside the home, participating in activities, and feeling a sense of belonging. Our new tool includes these elements and was found to be practical, well-received by residents and staff, and showed early signs of being reliable and accurate. This new tool can help improve how we understand and support social connection in LTC homes.

Health Conditions: Aging (dementia, frailty, etc.)

External Links:

For a list of Dr. Bethell's publications, please visit PubMed or Scopus.

• Assistant Professor (Cross-appointment), Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto
• Adjunct Scientist, ICES