A leading Curtin University researcher has been awarded the 2013 Council on the Ageing (COTA) Western Australia Champion for Seniors Award, recognising her policy-related research into home care.
Professor Gill Lewin has undertaken research involving the development and testing of care models that promote the independence of older people and result in an improvement in quality of life.
Professor Lewin’s research demonstrated that older people, who experienced difficulties with everyday activities, used fewer health and aged care services when they participated in programs that focused on understanding and overcoming the difficulties they were experiencing.
It also helped them to adopt strategies to enhance and maintain their capabilities.
Upon receiving her award, Professor Lewin, who is also Research Director at Silver Chain, said it was an honour to have her work acknowledged by a leading Western Australian seniors organisation.
“For me, it is really all about trying to ensure everyone, whatever their age or diagnosis, is given the opportunity to receive a service with a restorative focus. To maximise someone’s health and wellbeing is essential to their full participation in life,” Professor Lewin said.
Professor Lewin’s research has made a significant contribution internationally and her work has been used in the United Kingdom to support the expansion of a restorative approach throughout local government social care services.
Over the years Professor Lewin has conducted research in partnership with many different industry and non-government organisations, including Silver Chain.
The COTA WA Champion for Seniors Award acknowledges individuals who work to improve the quality of life of seniors or retirees.
