UCLA professor, Dr. Lene' Levy-Storms' core research concerns communication issues between health care providers and patients. With funding from the National Institute on Aging, the National Alzheimer's Association, the John A.Hartford Foundation and UCLA, she is focusing her research on communication issues between nursing home staff and frail, older residents during care titled, "Therapeutic Communication during Nursing Home Care."

This includes piloting a communication training program to improve the quality of interactions between nursing aides" communication with residents during care. The communication training is based upon the techniques in Susan Kohler's book, "How To Communicate With Alzheimer's." Susan developed the training modules, edited a training DVD, and provides the instructional intervention.

The DVD is unique in that it includes actual footage of nursing aides with their residents and proven a positive model of targeting desired behaviors with reinforcement of good communication techniques. Ultimately, the aspired goal is to support change in public policy that more specific and positive training in effective communication techniques is needed for those working with our elders to promote quality and wellness in daily care and interactions.

To read more about this research click on the image below

To play excerpts from one of the "Get Connected" instructional DVD's, click on the video clip below