The Center has collaborated with a variety of organizations around evaluation and research projects related to aging and elder care.  Most recently the Center for Evaluation and Research collaborated with the Iowa Department on Aging to explore the capacity of the state to provide for individual, systems and performance measures in response to the Proposed National Evaluation Framework.  Other projects include the development of a family development matrix for aging, work with the Aging and Disability Resource Centers, falls prevention coalition building and education, oral health care among the elderly who are homebound or in residential care and a network analysis of collaboration in the Growing Bolder nutrition network.

Featured Project

The Iowa Department of Public Health received a Health Resources Services Administration (HRSA) grant to develop and implement the Iowa Personal and Home Care Aide State Training (PHCAST) project.  The NRC was contracted to provided evaluation expertise to measure direct care worker knowledge, retention and job satisfaction and provided recommendations for ongoing program improvement.

For more information about this project, CLICK HERE.

All Projects

Lifelong Links Quality Assurance and Improvement Evaluation

The Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) LifeLong Links resource provides information and one-on-one person-centered counseling to people of all ages, incomes, and disabilities.  The evaluation measured the current processes of quality measurement for LifeLong Links programs throughout the state.  The goal of the evaluation was to assess current processes and develop standardized quality assurance and improvement guidelines in accordance with draft national quality framework for Aging and Disability Resource Centers.  Results were used for quality assurance and improvement for the program.

Evaluation of Iowa CareGivers Association's Certified Nurse Assistant Mentor Training Project

Certified Nurse Assistants, Home Care Aides, Patient Care Technicians, and other direct care/support workers deliver 80-90% of care in Iowa’s nursing facilities.  The Iowa CareGivers Association implemented the CNA Mentoring Program to further address the needs of veteran CNAs and those just entering the field.  This evaluation examines the effectiveness of the Iowa CareGivers Association CNA Mentoring Program specifically as a means of worker retention. CER conducted surveys assessing skills learned, mentor/mentee relationships, pay increases, and worker retention, with results used to advise the program.