The Physical and Psychological Effects of a Whole System Wellness Intervention for Older Adults Living in Care Homes

With an aging population and increased numbers of older people aged 85 years and over, there are increased demands for long-term care. Many residents living in care homes are dissatisfied, lonely or depressed and the majority of their time they are inactive. Lack of engagement in physical activity has detrimental effects on both physical and mental health and quality of life, and contributes to a lack of meaningful social interaction. Whilst the provision of regular exercise can improve physical function of frail older people, if combined with cognitive training, there could be improvements in both physical and cognitive functional status in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. This match-funded studentship (matched by Bournemouth University and Oomph! Our Organisation Makes People Happy) aims to investigate the physical and psychosocial effects of a whole home wellness intervention (Oomph! Wellness) and explore the feasibility of trial process.

This research will provide new evidence based knowledge to inform and improve practice for staff and improve physical and psychological health and quality of life for their residents. Oomph! Wellness already work with over 500 care homes across the UK and care providers pay for this Wellness package which makes it a sustainable model.

This project provides an exciting opportunity for an aspiring individual with an interest in health and wellbeing in older people and undertake work in care homes. The PhD studentship will involve the application of a range of measures related to physical and psychological health and wellbeing and will explore the feasibility of incorporating the new intervention in care homes and its sustainability.The team behind the project are Professor Jane Murphy (BU), Dr James Steele (ukactive Research Institute & Southampton Solent University) and Dr Divya Tiwari (Consultant Physician, Royal Bournemouth Hospital) with Parita Doshi as consultant advisor from Oomph! Wellness.


How to apply:
Applications are made via our website using the Apply Online button below. If you have an enquiry about this project please contact us via the Email NOW button below, however your application will only be processed once you have submitted an application form as opposed to emailing your CV to us.
Candidates for funded PhD studentship must demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 4 years.
The PhD Studentships are open to UK, EU and international students. Candidates for a PhD Studentship should demonstrate outstanding qualities and be motivated to complete a PhD in 4 years and must demonstrate:

• A 1st class honours degree and/or a relevant Master’s degree with distinction or equivalent.If English is not your first language you’ll need IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 minimum (with a minimum 6.0 in each component).

Additional Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants should have a degree in Nursing, Psychology, Social Sciences or a related area.
In addition to satisfying minimum entry criteria, BU will look closely at the qualities, skills and background of each candidate and what they can bring to their chosen research project in order to ensure successful completion.