UnitingCare Community Options
Background
The Partnership between Deakin University and UnitingCare Community Options (UCCO) was established in April, 2006 and has led to the appointment of Dr Goetz Ottmann.
Aim
The UCCO - Deakin partnership aims to conduct high quality research that adds to scientific knowledge and fosters resilience and wellbeing and self-determination in community-based aged and disability care.
Objectives
- To conduct a research program in the areas of consumer involvement in the decision-making process, health, social care and multiple chronic illness capacity building, resilience building, and improving the lives of people with a disability ; thereby enhancing the independence and wellbeing of individuals in community-based care settings.
- To encourage and support case managers to participate in research activities.
- To promote the integration of research findings into advocacy, educational programs, health care policy and professional practice.
- To develop and support research collaboration between UCCO, Deakin University and other partner organisations.
Current Research Activities
We aim to develop innovative strategies to support evidence-informed practice. In addition, our programs integrate knowledge, ‘good practice’, and research to promote the improvement of community-based care delivery models.
Community Aged Care:
- Consumer-Directed community aged care;
- Fostering resilience later in life;
- Improving inter-professional communication in community aged care;
- Multiple chronic illness management in the community.
Community Disability Care:
- Involving people with an intellectual disability in the decision-making process
- Safeguarding children with a disability
Research Staff
Goetz Ottmann, PhD (Sociology)
Contact Details
UCCO
Brandon Office Park
Building 5, 530-540 Springvale Rd
Glen Waverley VIC 3150
Phone: 03 9239 26 39
Fax: 03 9244 61 59
Email: goetz.ottmann@deakin.edu.au/goetz.ottmann@ucco.org.au
Margarita Maradougaki
Research Officer
Phone: 03 9239 25 00
