September 8, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ellen Mullally
emullally@paltmed.org/410-992-3124
Grant will be used to test the Fostering Positive Care Interactions in Assisted Living (FPCI-AL) Intervention
The Foundation for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC) Medicine has announced the recipient of a research grant for 2025. Rachel McPherson, PhD, MA, has received a $22,507 research grant for a study entitled, Pilot Testing the Fostering Positive Care Interactions.
Dr. McPherson’s study focuses on the growing population of dementia patients residing in assisted living facilities and how limited social interactions of these patients can impact quality care interactions with staff. This grant will (1) establish the acceptability and feasibility of the FPCI-AL (Fostering Positive Care Interactions in Assisted Living) intervention based on delivery, receipt, and enactment of study activities and (2) evaluate the preliminary efficacy of the FPCI-AL on the quality of care interactions received by residents, resident behavioral symptoms, resident resistiveness to care, and resident engagement with staff during care interactions. This is a 12-month pilot research study that will provide the basis for future implementation studies.
Dr. McPherson is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland School of Nursing. She has expertise in measuring and examining quality of care interactions among residents with dementia, including modifying the existing Quality of Interactions Scale to enhance its ability to measure care interactions across diverse care tasks.
“We’re pleased to be able to support the innovative work Dr. McPherson is conducting to drive new and viable research in the post-acute and long-term care setting and to ultimately improve the quality of care received by patients in assisted living,” says Dr. Barbara Zarowitz, PharmD, BCGP, BCPS, FCCP, FASCP, Foundation Grant Committee Chair and Board Director.
Foundation Director Victoria Hann, MPA, CFRE, added, “The Foundation’s Grant Program is funded directly from generous annual donations. These gifts enable us to fund important research, in addition to educational and clinical resources, and further workforce development initiatives for practitioners working in the post-acute and long-term care field. This is the impact of our generous donors.”
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About the Foundation for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine
The Foundation for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine is an independent not-for-profit national organization that philanthropically supports the advancement of the post-acute and long-term care community by funding research, workforce development, and educational initiatives. The Foundation’s vision is to build a strong, supported PALTC community. Visit and support the Foundation for PALTC Medicine at www.paltcfoundation.org.