Trauma-informed care practices will be introduced into long-term care homes through a $1-million research project led by Dr. Kimberly Ritchie, an assistant professor in the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, whose research is focused on trauma and dementia.
"We know from research by Dr. Ritchie that the need for trauma-informed approaches is pressing, with nearly two-thirds of Canadian adults reporting at least one potentially traumatic event in their lives," says Dr. Holger Hintelmann, vice-president of Research and Innovation at Trent. "This is valuable funding for a critical project that could inform innovations in care for our aging populations."
Prof. Ritchie will lead a four-year project with colleagues from McMaster University to co-design, implement, and evaluate a trauma-informed care framework. This work is part of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging and is supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, in particular its Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research initiative, as well as the Azrieli Foundation, Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, Brain Canada Foundation, and SPOR.
Trauma-informed care emphasizes understanding the lasting impact of trauma, creating safe and inclusive environments, and equipping staff with tools to recognize triggers, de-escalate distress, and build trust with residents.
"Research shows a two-way relationship between PTSD and dementia, making transitions into institutional settings especially difficult," says Prof. Ritchie. "For many residents, long-term care environments can unintentionally trigger trauma memories, leading to distress and behavioural symptoms. Embedding a trauma-informed approach means safer, more inclusive and supportive environments for both residents and staff."
The project will also focus on supporting care staff, who often face high levels of stress and burnout. The framework will be piloted in one home, refined, then tested through a national trial in four long-term care homes.
"Our ultimate goal is to scale this framework across Canada," adds Prof. Ritchie. "By recognizing the lasting effects of trauma, we can improve residents' quality of life, support staff well-being, and transform the culture of long-term care."
Learn more about the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing and the Trent Centre for Aging and Society.
