Research

VAC's Research and Information Directorate is responsible for the development and transfer of applied research and information in support of the health and well-being of veterans, Canadian Forces members and their families, and the RCMP.

To receive an electronic or print copy of any reports shown below visit our Contact Us page.

Current Projects

Continuing Care Research Project

This research project will include two concurrent studies:

The first study will compare the outcomes and costs of providing home care, supportive housing and residential care to Veterans Independence Program (VIP) clients in Ontario.

The second study will evaluate the impacts of the Veterans Affairs Canada "At Home Pilot Project". The At Home Pilot offered certain clients on residential care waiting lists access to home care and treatment services for which they were previously ineligible. An informal assessment of the pilot showed that a large majority of clients preferred to remain at home, with support, rather than accept residential care placement.

The application of the project results will enhance program services for our veteran clients and contribute to national policy making on continuing care issues. The evaluation framework for this research project is now available.

To view the CCRP Research poster click here: CCRP Research Poster (PDF file, 554Kb)

Rural Seniors Project

Phase 1, completed in January 2004, includes a literature review on the physical, social and regional factors that may influence support to seniors in rural communities, and an analysis of community support using Canadian census 2001 data. Findings highlight the diversity among rural communities and the characteristics that differentiate among community supportiveness to seniors. The technical report for Phase 1 is now available.

Phase 2, completed in December 2004, includes a literature review on the social and formal service environments of seniors, and an analysis of a national survey of 1322 Royal Canadian Legion members and spouses who live in rural communities across Canada. Findings highlight the differences between rural seniors' social and support networks, the availability of stores and services in rural communities, and seniors' perspectives on what makes their rural community a good place to grow old. The technical report for Phase 2 is now available.

Phase 3, currently underway, involves a case study of three rural communities in Canada to determine the diversity among seniors in each community and how their needs for support and care are met in diverse rural settings. The three rural communities are Oyen AB (a farming community), Bobcaygeon ON (a retirement community), and Parrsboro NS (a tourist community). The technical report for Phase 3 will be available later in 2005.

VIP Historical Policy Review

"Comfort, Security, Dignity: the Veterans Independence Program, a Policy History" was completed by Dr. James Struthers of Trent University. This project is a policy review of the Veterans Independence Program (VIP), designed to contribute to ongoing discussions regarding health reform and continuing care in the wider Canadian population. The final report is now available.

Risk Factors for the Development of Noise Induced Hearing Loss

The Noise Induced Hearing Loss project was a joint study undertaken by Dr. Sharon Abel, Human Factors Research and Engineering, Defence Research & Development Canada, and the Department of National Defence. The study increases our understanding of the causes and prevention of hearing loss. The final report is now available.