Assisted living providers have a unique opportunity to help shape the next generation of dementia care. The NIA IMPACT Collaboratory, under a federal grant, plans to release a funding opportunity in early December 2026 focused on developing and testing new approaches to caring for people living with dementia in assisted living communities. Grants of up to $150,000 for a 12-month period will support teams of assisted living operators and researchers working to improve resident engagement in meaningful activities and strengthen staff understanding of dementia and communication with residents.
Have a research partner? Let them know. What makes this opportunity different is that providers won't simply be asked to participate in a study after it has already been designed. Instead, providers and researchers will work together from the start to develop ideas, shape the project, and make sure any new approach fits the realities of daily care delivery.
Assisted Living operators can apply on their own. The NIA IMPACT Collaboratory will connect providers with researchers if they do not already have research partners, making it easier for senior living organizations to get involved.
This grant opportunity’s collaborative approach brings providers and researchers together to answer important questions and improve care. By giving providers a voice early in the process, this program helps ensure that future research is grounded in real-world experience and focused on solutions that can truly make a difference for residents living with dementia.
NIA and AHCA/NCAL Building a Research Infrastructure as a Benefit to Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Providers
The
NIA IMPACT Collaboratory also funds the
LTC Data Cooperative, governed by AHCA/NCAL. The LTC Data Cooperative assembles Electronic Health Record (EHR) data from skilled nursing centers and assisted living communities that can be used to evaluate research studies and produce feedback reports – thereby building infrastructure to support research in post-acute and long term care.
Anyone can join the LTC Data Cooperative at any time, and participation is free. Once enrolled, the LTC Data Cooperative securely receives Electronic Health Record (EHR) data from EHR vendors on the participants’ behalf. Researchers can access these data to evaluate co-designed studies, like those developed under the ePCT Planning Grants Program, with no additional burden to participants. Moreover, the LTC Data Cooperative distributes analytic reports tailored to support quality improvement efforts. These insights help organizations:
- Strengthen clinical decision-making
- Identify trends and opportunities for improvement
- Benchmark performance
- Enhance resident care and services
Join the Cooperative