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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $707,465 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH137064-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-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
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.