Research group

Dignified Old Age

As life expectancy rises, more and more students and workers in the social and health care sector will encounter older people in their work. Gerontological skills are needed in all social and health services.

Client safety in services for the elderly must be ensured. In addition, modernisation of the sector requires the use of digital technologies and a new way of working for employees. At the heart of all communication is a sense of dignity in old age.

What we research and develop

We are a trusted partner in research, development and innovation (RDI) on issues relating to older people and for selling expert services and development expertise. We promote care and education for older people through a research and work-based approach.

The research group’s priorities are:

  • Developing training in care for the elderly
  • Strengthening the skills of older workers and developing the attractiveness and retention of the sector
  • Supporting the take-up of digital and age-friendly technologies
  • Client and patient safety in services for older people

What do we do and develop in practice?

Watch the research group’s presentation video.

Education

  • Customer-oriented continuing education

Everyday life in primary care from the start of your studies

The ageing population challenges nursing

The Dignified Old Age research group works closely with the services for older people in the wellbeing services county of Southwest Finland. The group also works in partnership with the GeroNursingCentre (GNC), a research and competence centre for rehabilitation nursing for older people at the University of Oulu.

The research group conducts Elo-D® observations on memory units. The Elo-D® observation method has been developed to support care communities to provide information on residents’ experiences in order to develop a care culture that strengthens the quality of life and good care. The aim is to highlight issues that strengthen the well-being of people with memory disorders. If you are interested, please contact the research group leader for more information.

Our experts

  • Teija Franck

    Senior Lecturer
    +358 40 355 0433
    teija.franck@turkuamk.fi
  • Susanna Mört

    Principal Lecturer
    +358 40 355 0445
    susanna.mort@turkuamk.fi
  • Sini Eloranta

    Principal Lecturer
    +358 40 355 0514
    sini.eloranta@turkuamk.fi
  • Sari Mäkinen

    Senior Lecturer
    +358 40 355 0831
    sari.makinen@turkuamk.fi
  • Sanna-Maria Nurmi

    Senior Lecturer
    +358 50 598 5450
    sanna-maria.nurmi@turkuamk.fi
  • Nina Korsström

    Senior Lecturer
    +358 44 907 5474
    nina.korsstrom@turkuamk.fi
  • Maika Kummel

    Principal Lecturer, Degree Programme Leader
    +358 40 355 0444
    maika.kummel@turkuamk.fi
  • Laura Harikkala

    Advisor, RDI Coordinator
    +358 40 355 0437
    laura.harikkala@turkuamk.fi
  • Henna Lehtola

    Senior Lecturer
    +358 44 907 5488
    henna.lehtola@turkuamk.fi
  • Heli Vaartio-Rajalin

    Senior Lecturer
    +358 50 435 1146
    heli.vaartio-rajalin@turkuamk.fi

The Turku University of Applied Sciences Project Office offers support and guidance throughout the life cycle of an RDI project. Our project experts have years of experience and strong expertise in national and international funding programmes. We have more than 200 projects running every year, and our RDI activities have received more than €10 million in external funding.