UWEC CERCA 2026

This project, supported by a UWEC International Fellows Blugold Commitment Funding, examined long-term care (LTC) services in Spain to inform cross-national comparisons with the United States and contribute to a larger mixed-methods study on aging- and dementia-related attitudes among healthcare professionals. The team toured LTC facilities, met with administrators and staff, and conducted qualitative interviews of health care workers on their self perceptions of aging. Qualitative analysis (n=15) focused on how working with older adults and people living with dementia shapes professionals’ perceptions of aging. Findings showed that most respondents reported shifts in how they view older adults, particularly greater recognition of autonomy, cognitive abilities, and emotional capacity. Participants highlighted the influence of exposure through family, workplace experiences, and broader social norms. When asked about their own aging, responses varied: not all professionals described personal change, but many reflected on aging through the lens of locus of control-distinguishing between modifiable factors (e.g., physical health through diet and exercise) and less controllable social or environmental influences. These insights illustrate how professional contact with aging and dementia can reshape attitudes and may inform strategies to reduce stigma and support high-quality dementia care.