| Research
There are three pivotal areas of research in the CDARU:
Gerontology
Hearing Impairment
Neurogenic
Communication Disorders
Gerontology
We have studied, and will continue to study the communication
disabilities of both older people who live in the community and in
nursing homes. Some of the projects have included:
- a study of communication in nursing home residents in conjunction
with the School of Social
Work and Social Policy (ARC funded).
- an evaluation of a health promotion program, the Keep on Talking
project for community based older people, and
- a longitudinal study of naming in older people.
- a study of communication and quality of life for healthy older
people.
 Back
to top
Hearing Impairment 
Hearing Impairment is the most prevalent communication disability
in older people. Research projects include:
- evaluating the efficacy of the Active Communication Education
(ACE) program for older people with hearing difficulties.
- outcomes of hearing aid fitting for older people.
- optimizing the speech perception that can be achieved through
hearing aids using the most recent advances in digital programmable
hearing aid technology. (NHMRC
funded)
Back
to top
Neurogenic
Communication Disorders
Some of our current projects are:
- investigating the concept of aphasia friendly patient-education
materials and environments.
- the development of new functional communication measures for
TBI (the SAVCO) and for inpatients (the IFCI-2).
Some of our past projects are:
- the development of internet
training materials for people with aphasia, TBI, PD and early
dementia.
- an evaluation of how functional communication is measured -
in real life or simulated situations or by reported abilities.
- an audit of clinical charts to determine the type and frequency
of functional communication assessments being used by speech pathologists.
- the development of a functional communication assessment.
- an evaluation of a functional communication therapy program
delivered in the home by volunteers.
Back
to top
|
