Posted: 4/4/2011
Hopkins Nursing innovative aging researcher Laura N. Gitlin, PhD, received the John Mackey Award for Excellence in Dementia Care from the Johns Hopkins Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry on April 2 at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
“I am honored to receive this award, which is a tribute to John Mackey and an acknowledgement of innovative dementia research leading to better care everywhere,” Gitlin said.
Gitlin is a new member of the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing community, having recently joined the ranks of the faculty in February 2011. She is leading the development of a JHUSON-based interdivisional center for innovation to promote healthy aging.
Formerly a Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at Thomas Jefferson University, an academic health science center in Philadelphia, PA, Gitlin is nationally and internationally recognized in the areas of physical function and older adults, family caregiving, assistive devices and home modifications, and nonpharmacologic approaches to supporting individuals with dementia. She is also founding Director of the Jefferson Center for Applied Research on Aging and Health (CARAH), which worked to advance the quality of life of older adults through research, training of health professionals and students in evidence-based programs, and delivery and evaluation of innovative evidence-based programs. She also co-founded Jefferson Elder Care, a new service division providing innovative and evidence-based dementia care at home.
The John Mackey Award for Excellence in Dementia Care honors NFL hero John Mackey, and is administered by the Johns Hopkins Division of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neuropsychiatry. The goal of this award is to recognize individuals whose work has made substantial contributions to Dementia Care, with a national or international impact.