Excellence in Ageing Services and Excellence in Ageing Research Awards Honor Innovation and Excellence

19 November 2013, Shanghai—The International Association of Homes and Services for the Ageing (IAHSA) announced the 2013 recipients of the Excellence in Ageing Services and the Excellence in Ageing Research awards at the 2013 IAHSA/IAHSA-China 10th International Conference in Shanghai.

The two awardees selected are both from Europe:

Belong Villages, a multi-site organization with 4 locations in the UK

Dr. Ingrid Eyers, a research associate from Germany working on SomnIA, a sleep in ageing initiative being conducted at the University of Surrey in the UK.

Belong Villages has been awarded the Excellence in Ageing Services Award, which recognizes organizations and/or individuals for programs and services that are models of innovation and excellence and that contribute significantly to the quality of life of the individuals served. Belong Villages has created a unique gymnasium program that allows residents and community members to improve their mobility, flexibility, strength, balance, and cardiovascular health through simple workout regimens.

Dr. Ingrid Eyers has been awarded the Excellence in Research Award, which recognizes ongoing commitment to quality in aging services through evidence-based research, translation of research into practice, and dissemination of research findings through internal and external shared learning opportunities.

Recently, Eyers completed a study that identified factors that influence sleep quality among residents in care homes, provided an evidence base to challenge traditional concepts of care, and informed future developments in the provision of care that will improve sleep.

“Exercise and sleep are 2 unassuming aspects of everyday life,” said Katie Sloan, IAHSA executive director.  “But exercise and sleep have a profound impact on the physical and psychological wellbeing of care home residents. It is our honor to bestow this year’s awards to Belong Villages and Dr. Ingrid Eyers — they embody the values of innovation and excellence.”

The 2 awards were presented at the conference’s plenary session from 8:30 a.m–10:00 a.m., held at the Le Royal Méridien hotel in Shanghai’s city center.

Visit our Awards Nomination page to learn more about our awards program and nomination criteria.