Background
Dementia in ethno-racial communities is considered taboo and stigmatized. Because of this, members of these communities often avoid hospitalization until it is life-threatening. Currently, no studies in Canada exist that focus on South Asian or Arab communities and the hospitalization of those living with dementia. My research aims to address this gap by exploring the hospitalization experiences of older adults from these communities with dementia, along with their caregivers and healthcare providers. The findings will inform culturally inclusive dementia care in hospitals, catering to the diverse needs of older adults with dementia. By supporting ethno-racial communities to share their hospitalization experiences, this research seeks to promote inclusivity and facilitate necessary changes in healthcare practices.

The collaboration with the patient partner group of those from South Asian and Arab communities with lived experience of dementia and hospitalization will allow them to share their feelings and perceptions related to what kinds of culture-inclusive care they need when they are admitted to acute care settings. Patient partners’ lived experiences and guidance will help us to improve care practice for ethnic communities living with dementia. This project has the potential to improve care practices and policies to address the care needs of ethno-racial communities and create dementia care that is more culturally inclusive and person-centred.

Roles and Responsibilities
I am looking to establish an Advisory Group that includes patient partners and their families to help with my PhD research on dementia for ethnic minorities. I can meet in-person or online via phone or Zoom once a month to share my research progress and seek their guidance and collaboration on my research process.

I am specifically looking for patient partners who:

-Are from South Asian or Arab communities
-Are living with dementia
-Have been hospitalized in Canada
AND
-the caregivers (such as friends/family members) who were involved in providing care to older adults with dementia during their hospitalization

I want to build strong relationships with patient partners to gather insights that can improve research and improve health care practices towards older adults from other backgrounds with dementia.

I will offer training to individuals with dementia and caregivers to engage on research projects.

Time Commitment
This project anticipates to start January 1, 2025 and end December 2025. Meetings will be once per month and meeting length depends on number of attendees but can be between 30 – 90 minutes based on group members and discussion.

Compensation/Reimbursement
Patient partners will be offered a gift card of $50 for each meeting. If patient partners or their caregiver prefer to attend in person, reimbursement will be provided for parking and/or travel expenses.

For more information or to apply
Sadaf Murad-Kassam
smurad@ualberta.ca
Phone/Text  780-246-3263