Digital mental health support for older adults at home with depression
Community-Embedded, Layperson-Supported Digital Mental Health Intervention for Homebound Older Adults with Depression: A Type 1 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation RCT
This study is testing a helpful online program called Empower@Home that aims to support older adults who are stuck at home and feeling depressed, by using videos and therapy techniques to improve their mental health with the help of local service providers.
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 ID | NIH-11127713 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a digital mental health intervention designed specifically for homebound older adults suffering from depression. It utilizes aging service providers to help these individuals access and effectively use digital tools aimed at improving their mental health. The intervention, called Empower@Home, incorporates cognitive-behavioral therapy principles and engaging storytelling through videos to enhance user experience and adherence. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention compared to standard care and identify factors that influence its implementation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are homebound and experiencing symptoms of depression.
Not a fit: Patients who are not homebound or do not have access to digital technology may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mental health outcomes for homebound older adults by providing them with accessible and effective digital support.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary research has shown that similar digital mental health interventions can be effective, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- 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
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 below.