NIH-funded research R01 grant

Community-embedded, layperson-supported digital mental health for homebound older adults with depression

Official title: Community-Embedded, Layperson-Supported Digital Mental Health Intervention for Homebound Older Adults with Depression: A Type 1 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation RCT

Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11332979 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A home-based digital mental health program for older adults who are homebound, supported by trained lay providers in aging agencies, is being tested to help reduce depressive symptoms.

More Depression research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2024
Project endApril 30, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$707,465
NIH project number5R01MH137064-03
Project IDNIH-11332979 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Homebound adults aged 65 and older experiencing depressive symptoms and using or willing to use digital mental health tools.

Less likely to help

Individuals without depressive symptoms or who cannot access digital tools may see limited benefit.

What this research studies

This project tests Empower@Home, a CBT-based digital program designed for homebound seniors, delivered with help from lay staff at aging services agencies. Participants are randomized to receive Empower@Home versus enhanced usual care, looking at how well the program reduces depressive symptoms in real-world aging service settings. The study also focuses on how the program is implemented in community agencies, including barriers and facilitators from multiple stakeholders, to identify scalable adoption strategies.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the intervention could reduce depression among homebound older adults and show a feasible way to deliver mental health care through community aging services.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work suggests good usability and high adherence for Empower@Home when supported by trained staff.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
    Ann Arbor, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Xiang, Xiaoling — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
  • Study coordinator: Xiang, Xiaoling

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.