Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging

What Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging does

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is a charitable, non-profit research institute founded in 2005 and headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, that enhances the quality of life and care for older adults through an integrated model of research, education, and practice. Its core methodology is the proprietary Incubation Acceleration Mobilization (IAM) Model, which moves evidence-informed findings into applied care settings, supported by a "living research environment" co-located with the Schlegel Villages long-term care and retirement network. The RIA operates a portfolio of branded programs across three impact areas — helping older adults live well, strengthening the senior-care workforce, and changing perceptions of aging — including CHOICE+ (mealtime experience e-learning), Forward with Dementia, MINT Memory Clinics (which demonstrates $51,500 net cost savings per patient), LIVING the Dementia Journey training, BABEL Advance Care Planning resources, the DELIGHT program, PREP LTC, the Living Classroom workforce program, and the Building Belonging cultural-inclusion project. Underpinning the portfolio is a bench of Schlegel Research Chairs and Specialists hosted across the University of Waterloo, McMaster University, Wilfrid Laurier University, and Conestoga College, covering Dementia, Nutrition, Mobility, Vascular Aging, Geriatric Medicine, Mental Health, Pharmacotherapy, Clinical Epidemiology, and Primary Care for Elders.

The organization is funded through a mix of research grants (notably CIHR and the Canada Research Chairs program), large-scale provincial program appropriations (Ontario has invested over $94.5M in PREP LTC and $11M in Living Classroom), donations and monthly giving, and partnership collaborations with universities and sector organizations such as CapitalCare, Compass Group Canada, and GeriMedRisk. Its go-to-market is non-commercial: resources, training, and educational materials are provided free of charge to older adults, care partners, healthcare professionals, and long-term care homes, with the Ontario CLRI designation providing reach across Ontario's long-term care sector. The RIA launched its 2024-2029 strategic plan in 2024, setting five-year targets of $105M+ in research and program grant funding, 700+ national and international collaborators, 500+ peer-reviewed publications, and 1.3M+ resources distributed; in 2025 the organization marked its 20th anniversary and endured a leadership transition with Executive Director Tina Mah's retirement.

Name

Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging

Legal name

Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging Foundation

Website

https://the-ria.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging is a Canadian charitable non-profit founded in 2005 that improves quality of life and care for older adults through research, education, and practice, serving older adults, care partners, healthcare professionals, and long-term care homes.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aging and Geriatric Research Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Nursing and Residential Care Facilities (623)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Elder Services & Aging Support (BPAGAEAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Assisted Living with Enhanced Care / High-Acuity (Aging-in-Place) (HLADABAC), Care Transitions Management (Hospital/SNF-to-Home) (HSABAIAC), Lifelong Learning Institutes (Osher/OLLI-style) & Senior Academies (EDAAAMAA)

Keywords

• Aging research services
• Long-term care programs
• Dementia care education
• Senior care workforce
• Gerontological research

Headquarters

HQ city

Waterloo

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Research Grants: Funding from government agencies and foundations including Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canada Research Chairs program, and other research funding bodies
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Individual donations, monthly giving program (Change AGEnts), charitable bequests, gifts of publicly traded securities, and donor-advised fund contributions
3. Partnership Collaborations: Collaborative funding with university partners including University of Waterloo, McMaster University, and Wilfrid Laurier University for joint research chairs and programs

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is a charitable, non-profit research institute that conducts applied aging research and translates it into evidence-based programs, training, and resources for older adults, care partners, and the long-term care workforce. Its portfolio spans dementia care, nutrition, mobility, mental health, medication management, spirituality, and workforce development, with flagship offerings such as CHOICE+, MINT Memory Clinics, Forward with Dementia, BABEL Advance Care Planning, LIVING the Dementia Journey, PREP LTC, Living Classroom, Ontario CLRI, Building Belonging, GeriMedRisk, and the Words of Wisdom and By Us For Us Guides.

Product overview

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) is a charitable research institute, not a traditional software product company. Its offerings consist of research programs, educational resources, training programs, and community initiatives focused on enhancing quality of life for older adults. The portfolio includes: CHOICE+ (mealtime experience e-learning), By Us For Us Guides, Ontario CLRI, PREP LTC, Living Classroom, Forward with Dementia, MINT Memory Clinics, DELIGHT Program, BABEL Advance Care Planning resources, Words of Wisdom Series, Building Belonging, GeriMedRisk, LIVING the Dementia Journey training, and the annual Walk With Me Conference. These programs interconnect through the Incubation Acceleration Mobilization (IAM) Model, which translates research evidence into practical care improvements across long-term care, retirement, and community settings.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Ontario CLRI (Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care): A program to support Ontario long-term care homes
• CHOICE+
• Forward with Dementia
• PREP LTC (Preceptor Resource and Education Program in Long-Term Care)
• Living Classroom
• LIVIng the Dementia Journey (LDJ)
• Walk With Me
• Trailblazers for Culture Change Awards
• Building Belonging
• MINT Memory Clinics
• GeriMedRisk
• BABEL ACP
• DELIGHT

Products and services

• CHOICE+ An e-learning and mentorship program designed to empower long-term care staff to create more enjoyable, resident-centered mealtimes. Grounded in relationship-centered care, CHOICE+ trains designated staff to lead improvements in their homes and has been implemented across 18 randomly selected LTC homes.
• By Us For Us Guides A series of resources created by and for people living with dementia and their care partners, providing practical guidance and support throughout the dementia journey.
• Ontario CLRI Ontario Centres for Learning, Research and Innovation in Long-Term Care — a program supporting Ontario long-term care homes through education, resources, and workforce development.
• PREP LTC Preceptor Resource and Education Program in Long-Term Care, providing funding and support to help LTC homes increase the quality of and capacity for student placements.
• Living Classroom A workforce development partnership model that addresses challenges in long-term care by highlighting senior living as a rewarding career path and strengthening the personal support worker workforce.
• Forward with Dementia A collection of culturally-adapted resources designed to help people living with dementia and care partners understand the condition, navigate diagnosis, and plan to live their best lives; recognized with the 2024 Vision Award.
• MINT Memory Clinics A proven model of memory clinic care that addresses dementia needs in primary care settings, demonstrating feasibility, acceptability, and net cost savings of $51,500 per patient.
• DELIGHT Program A program supporting people living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment, along with their care partners, through eight weeks of exercise, healthy eating, and social engagement.
• BABEL Advance Care Planning Evidence-based resources bridging research and practice for advance care planning conversations, including workbooks and factsheets for LTC team members, older adults, care partners, and substitute decision-makers.
• Words of Wisdom Series Eight practical resources created with and for people living with dementia and care partners, offering support, guidance, and personal reflections during challenging moments of the dementia journey.
• Building Belonging A project aiming to increase social inclusion and improve well-being for older adults living with dementia from diverse ethno-racial communities in Hamilton and Halton.
• GeriMedRisk A research project-turned clinical program providing specialized geriatric pharmacological support to improve medication management and care for older adults across Ontario.
• LIVING the Dementia Journey (LDJ) An award-winning, evidence-based training program that emphasizes shifting care and services to focus on a person's strengths and abilities, grounded in dignity and everyday moments of connection.
• Walk With Me Conference A national conference aimed at changing the culture of aging in Canada, bringing together older adults, care partners, educators, policymakers, students, and researchers.

Quantifiable outcome

• $51,500 net cost savings per patient through MINT Memory Clinics compared to standard care
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

• Compass Group Canada / Marquise HospitalitymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 January 2025New educational partnership announced in 2025 with Compass Group Canada's Marquise Hospitality division to enhance dining experience and nutrition in senior living settings, integrating with CHOICE+ program.
• GeriMedRisk PartnershipmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2024GeriMedRisk is a research project-turned clinical program that provides specialized geriatric pharmacological support. Formed a new partnership in 2024 to expand access to geriatric medication expertise across Ontario.
• CapitalCarecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2024Co-hosts the annual Walk With Me national conference focused on changing the culture of aging in Canada. CapitalCare is a major senior care provider in Edmonton, Alberta, bringing complementary expertise and geographic reach to the partnership.
• Wilfrid Laurier UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2023Partnership to create the Schlegel Research Chair in Music Therapy and Aging, announced in 2023. Expands interdisciplinary research to include music therapy and creative arts approaches to aging.
• University of WaterloocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary academic partner hosting the RIA and providing research infrastructure. Multiple Schlegel Research Chairs are appointed through this partnership including chairs in Dementia, Nutrition, Vascular Aging, and Mobility. The partnership enables interdisciplinary research and access to world-class faculty and facilities.
• Schlegel VillagescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides living research environments where RIA innovations are tested and implemented in real-world senior living settings. This unique partnership enables research-to-practice translation and allows older adults to participate in research as partners.
• Conestoga CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner supporting workforce development and education initiatives. Collaborates on training programs for personal support workers and other healthcare professionals entering the senior care sector.
• McMaster UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts multiple Schlegel Research Chairs including in Geriatric Medicine, Geriatric Pharmacotherapy, Clinical Epidemiology, and Mental Health and Aging. Enables research collaboration across geriatrics and aging-related specialties.
• Conrad Grebel University CollegemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosts the Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging, supporting research and education on spiritual care in long-term care settings.
• Murray Alzheimer Research and Education Program (MAREP)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative research and education program that supports the Words of Wisdom resource series for people living with dementia and care partners, enhancing dementia resources with lived experience perspectives.
• Building Belonging Project PartnersmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganizations in Halton Region and Hamilton collaborating to deliver inclusive dementia programs that reflect diverse ethno-racial communities. Five community partners announced in 2025.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights12 records

Broad incumbents

• Revera Inc. Major Canadian owner/operator of retirement and long-term care homes (sister organization to Schlegel Villages' broader sector). Comparable as a senior-living operator that RIA's research programs target and partner with.
• SE Health (Saint Elizabeth Health Care): National Canadian home and community care provider with a research arm (SE Research Centre) focused on aging, palliative care, and workforce innovation. Comparable to RIA in blending care delivery with research and knowledge translation.
• Sinai Health (Bridgepoint Active Healthcare): Toronto-based academic health sciences centre operating Bridgepoint Active Healthcare for complex continuing care and rehabilitation. Comparable as a Canadian research-and-care organization with strong aging and rehabilitation focus, though broader in scope.

Direct peers

• Baycrest: Toronto-based health sciences centre combining long-term care, rehabilitation, and the Rotman Research Institute focused on aging and brain health. Directly comparable to RIA as a Canadian non-profit integrating aging research, education, and residential care.
• Bruyère Health Research Institute: Ottawa-based research institute affiliated with Bruyère Continuing Care, focused on aging, long-term care, and rehabilitation research. Comparable to RIA as a Canadian non-profit bridging academic research and long-term care delivery.
• AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence: Canadian federally funded Network of Centres of Excellence focused on aging technology and innovation, training, and knowledge mobilization. Highly comparable to RIA in mission (improving quality of life for older adults) and KT-focused model.
• Alzheimer Society of Canada: National non-profit focused on dementia research, advocacy, and caregiver support across Canada. Closely comparable to RIA's dementia programs (Forward with Dementia, LIVING the Dementia Journey) and Canadian non-profit structure.
• Canadian Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CC-ABHI): Baycrest-hosted innovation accelerator supporting aging and brain health solutions across Canada. Comparable to RIA in mandate to mobilize aging research into real-world practice.
• Canadian Frailty Network (CFN): Canadian Network of Centres of Excellence focused on frailty in older adults, including the BABEL ACP study funded through RIA. Comparable as a federally funded Canadian KT network targeting aging populations.
• CapitalCare: Edmonton-based public long-term care operator co-hosting RIA's Walk With Me national conference. Comparable as a Canadian LTC and aging-services organization partnering with RIA on culture-change initiatives.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/SchlegelUW_RIA
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ResearchInstituteforAging
• Facebookfb.me/ResearchInstituteforAging
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/researchinstituteforaging

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles17 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging