Professor Wells is a clinical psychologist by training but has had a research career since completing her PhD in 1994. Her main research areas include transitions in later life, healthy ageing, community aged care services, and residential aged care, and she has had a longstanding interest in caregiving, especially for people living with dementia. The Lincoln Centre for Research on Ageing conducts research and consultancy activities in these areas.

Yvonne has been successful in securing funding for applied research projects for government departments, aged care providers, and other agencies. Current projects include:
-- A project to evaluate regional stewardship in aged care, undertaken with Clear Horizon consulting
-- A literature review for DVA on best practice in in-home care and support



Yvonne was awarded Life membership of the Australian Association of Gerontology in November 2024, in recognition of her contributions to the field.