Earlier this year, a research study found that reading and writing can reduce one’s risk of dementia by 40 percent. The Guardian reported the study’s insights, commenting that people with high lifetime enrichment developed Alzheimer’s disease much later than those who don’t participate in stimulating activities. 

Studies like this build a strong case for continued research in healthcare for older adults. While dementia is one of the most common problems affecting seniors over 80, many also suffer from chronic respiratory and muscular conditions. Research often reveals new perspectives that enable caregivers to enhance their patients’ quality of life.

As an elderly care practitioner or allied professional, developing a research mindset can help you contribute meaningfully to this field.

1. Tune Into Your Observation and Listening Skills

At its most basic level, research requires active observation and the ability to process external stimuli. Caregivers dealing with senior adults already possess the skills to pay attention to their patients’ concerns and needs. They can take this one step further by channeling it into active research.

Consider a 2025 Nature research study on sleep dysfunction in the elderly. It found that those who reported visual difficulties also used sleep medication more often. Both visual impairment and sleep medications are likely to increase the risk of falls and cognitive decline. Attentive caregivers can easily identify these habits or behavioral patterns, offering valuable input for further research.

• Engage the older adult in your care in conversation when they show an interest in interacting with you. You can learn about their current condition in more detail and also unearth deeper patterns.

• Pay heed to the surroundings of a patient and see if there could be connections with their health and behavior. These could be related to light, music, or other sensory stimuli. They could also connect to family members or friends who visit.

2. Explore Academic Routes

Further education in your field can be highly effective in cultivating the discipline required for conducting diligent research. Healthcare professionals, in particular, can benefit from continuing their education to stay attuned to ongoing developments. 

However, while selecting a program to pursue, check whether it offers an in-depth study of applied research. For example, an online Doctor of Education in Healthcare course may equip you with an understanding of quantitative and qualitative research tools. This will help you work actively toward solving problems in your practice, such as dealing with caregiver burnout. An online program also makes it easier to continue working while learning, bringing balance.

According to Rockhurst University, this academic route is ideal for professionals interested in policymaking in healthcare and helping to create an ethical foundation for education in this field. When you have a research mindset, you can apply it to various challenges, from legal considerations for senior care to avoidable oversights by practitioners. 

• Participate in research project opportunities during your program, using them to further your interest in various components of senior care, such as assisted living or memory support.

• A capstone study or presentations shared with mentors can help you develop the confidence to steer your own research initiatives.

3. Connect With Fellow Professionals

The rise of multidisciplinary teams in elderly care has made it indispensable to forge connections with your peers. Stroke rehabilitation involves physical therapists and mental health professionals. Arthritis care often requires experts in medical devices and lifestyle consultants.

Interacting with others in this profession can help you derive inputs for potential research. You may get these insights during professional interdisciplinary sessions or informal conversations.

The present status of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), a problem prevalent in many older adults, exemplifies the advantages of multifaceted care. The American Thoracic Society explains the significance of applying the 4Ms Framework, i.e., What Matters, Mobility, Medications, and Mentation. For seniors with COPD, care workers must assess functional independence, cognitive impairment, and the effect of taking multiple medications.

Thus, committed professionals can enhance their care delivery by heeding all the above aspects and applying the inferences for further improvement. 

• It is crucial to ensure ethical conduct and maintain patient confidentiality during interactions with other team members. Research professionals pay close attention to data sanctity and integrity, using patient-first methodologies.