Balfour Senior Living, a Kisco collection, in partnership with the University of Colorado Anschutz Multidisciplinary Center on Aging, has launched a research community living lab at the Balfour Louisville campus. This initiative combines CU Anschutz's pioneering research with Balfour's expertise in resident care to create an interactive environment where academic studies directly engage with older adults in their living spaces. Residents will have opportunities to participate in studies, serve in advisory roles, and contribute to shaping meaningful advancements in aging and healthcare.
Dr. Cari Levy, Head of the division of Geriatrics at CU Anschutz, stated, "The launch of the living lab marks a transformative step in how we approach aging and healthcare. By partnering with Balfour, we are creating a collaborative space where research and real-life experiences come together to drive innovation." The living lab offers a variety of studies that residents may qualify for, including research on hearing and hypertension, neurophysiology related to walking, and more efficient ways for nurses and associates to support skilled nursing residents.
Residents can participate by joining studies and serving on the advisory board, where they help evaluate research programs to ensure they align with the needs and values of their community. Resident Mary Stamp noted, "It keeps us informed about what is happening with the research. It's so interesting to be part of one of the first communities doing this. Even if our generation doesn't benefit from the study now, we are contributing to research that will help improve the health of others in the future." Another resident, Jean Bedell, added, "We get to have input instead of just being told what has been decided. Here, we're seen as real people and get to share our insights. A lot of older adults struggle to find a sense of purpose, and this helps give them one."
The partnership between Balfour communities and CU Anschutz is helping advance senior care and drive innovation in the senior living industry. The program enhances services by fostering empathy, strengthening engagement, and providing associates with tools to better support residents and their families. Michael Sell, business development director at Balfour Senior Living, said, "At Balfour, our mission has always been to provide exceptional care while fostering meaningful experiences for our residents. The partnership with CU Anschutz allows us to take that commitment even further by bringing cutting-edge research into our communities and empowering residents to help shape the future."
