Elizabeth K. Rhodus, PhD, MS, OTR/L
Elizabeth K. Rhodus, PhD, MS, OTR/L
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging
- Harmony
Specialties
Locations
About
Dr. Elizabeth Rhodus earned both her bachelor’s degree in occupational science and master’s degree in occupational therapy from Eastern Kentucky University. While completing her Master of Science, she participated in two occupational therapy clinical internships – one at Shriners hospital in Lexington and another at Neurorestorative in Georgetown, Ky.
Dr. Rhodus is an occupational therapist and behavioral scientist dedicated to improving quality of life for adults living with medical conditions that limit their memory, thinking and daily function. Her work is particularly centered on those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). As a faculty member in the Department of Behavioral Science and the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, she focuses her research on developing and implementing person-centered, environmental and behavioral interventions that support community living and independence for individuals experiencing cognitive decline.
A native of rural Kentucky, Dr. Rhodus has devoted her career to addressing the health disparities that affect aging populations in areas where access to care is limited. She leads the Engaged Aging Lab, where her team conducts translational research focused on supporting aging in place. This work includes interventions such as Harmony, a telehealth program designed to reduce behavioral symptoms of dementia using sensory and environmental adaptations.
Dr. Rhodus earned her PhD in Gerontology from the UK College of Public Health and completed her postdoctoral training at the UK Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Her work brings together clinical insight, caregiver engagement and community-based research to support meaningful activity, resilience and well-being for older adults and their care partners.
Research Interests
- Environmental and behavioral interventions for dementia care
- Health disparities and rural aging
- Aging-in-place and community-based care models
- Environmental influences on cognitive and functional health
Faculty Rank
- Assistant Professor, Department of Behavioral Science
