'We need to be at the table': Collaboration with older adults with experiences of homelessness
| Canham, S.L., Weldrick, R., Carteledge, A., Chapple, H., Danielsen, C., Kestle, D. & Teichman, S. “We need to be at the table”: Collaboration with lived experts [Paper presentation]. 2024 Annual Meeting of the Gerontological Society of America, Seattle, WA. |
Abstract
Background
The recognition of lived experience (LE) as an asset has led to increased involvement of individuals most affected by social or medical conditions in research.
Objectives
This paper presents an example of a LE advisory group that co-conceptualized and executed a knowledge mobilization project on aging and homelessness within three Canadian cities (Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal).
Methods
We established the advisory group, determined the group’s priorities and objectives, and fostered community engagement through webinars and in-person events.
Lessons Learned
We learned the importance of digital support to enable inclusion of advisors with experiences of homelessness, providing honoraria to for advisors’ time and contributions, scheduling meetings on the same day and time each month, and dedicating meeting time for advisors’ personal updates and experiences.
Conclusion
This model can be replicated by other research teams studying homelessness, aging, or similar marginalized groups, enhancing the impact of research and knowledge mobilization efforts.
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