The goal of the sabbatical support program (SSP) is to stimulate nutrition and aging outcomes research based on partnerships between university faculty and local Elderly Nutrition Programs (ENPs) or long-term care (LTC) facilities. Studies show that too few nutrition faculty members are involved in outcomes research. Likewise, most service agencies, including ENPs and LTC facilities, feel ill equipped to design studies and data collection procedures or attempt any type of research. Faculty applicants are expected to provide a letter from a community agency or LTC facility indicating an interest in collaborating, along with an idea for an outcomes project.

Opportunities are available to expand gerontology/geriatrics experience in home, community or long-term care settings, to delve into policy analysis related to nutrition and aging, to sharpen technical assistance and training skills and to develop gerontology/geriatric curricula for undergraduate and graduate courses. There will be opportunities for developing applied research protocols with community groups, for using pilot data in seeking public/private sponsorship at home, and for overcoming other challenges inherent in applied research projects.

The Center has hands-on experience in applied research and the documentation of outcomes, e.g., the Morning Meals on Wheels Pilot Project. The Centers AoA/HCFA LTC demonstration project uses new tools, i.e., NSI Nutrition Care Alerts and ADA Nutrition Risk Assessment and Intervention Strategies, to identify, prevent and rectify quality of care deficiencies in nursing homes.

Upon completion of the SSP, faculty should find it easier to establish applied research projects with community agencies at home. They will be able to develop outcomes studies that demonstrate the value of food and nutrition services in reducing nutrition risk, increasing independence, and improving quality of life for older adults in home, community and LTC settings. Faculty will also be able to enrich the educational opportunities in aging for undergraduate and graduate students.

The Center, located on the University Park campus of Florida International University, is in west Miami-Dade County on the Tamiami Trail (US 41) and Florida Turnpike Extension. FIU is an attractive safe suburban campus in a multicultural community. Send letter of interest, CV and anticipated sabbatical dates to the Center at FIU--OE200, Miami, FL 33199 or direct inquiries to NS Wellman, wellmann@fiu.edu or DO Weddle, weddled@fiu.edu; phone, 305-348-1517; fax, 305-348-1518.