Onward Companion Rideshare for Older Adults and People with Alzheimer's
Onward Door-Through-Door Companion Rideshare Technology to Improve Care for Older Adults and Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD)
This project is creating a special rideshare service with trained companions to help older adults and people with Alzheimer's disease get to their healthcare appointments safely and easily.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Onward Health, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Leandro, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195564 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many older adults and individuals with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias (AD/ADRD) find it hard to get reliable transportation to their medical appointments, which can lead to missed care. Traditional rideshare services, taxis, and buses often don't meet the specific needs of these vulnerable groups. This project is developing a 'door-through-door' rideshare service where drivers are specially trained to assist older adults and those with mild to moderate AD/ADRD. These drivers are certified in first aid, CPR, and receive training in supporting patients with dementia, preventing falls, and ensuring safe transport.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults and individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who need assistance with transportation to medical appointments.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require specialized transportation assistance or those with severe AD/ADRD beyond the scope of the companion driver's training may not receive direct benefit from this specific service.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this service could significantly improve access to healthcare for older adults and individuals with AD/ADRD by providing safe, reliable, and supportive transportation.
How similar studies have performed: While traditional rideshare services exist, this 'door-through-door' model with specially trained companion drivers for vulnerable populations is a novel approach to address specific transportation barriers.
Where this research is happening
San Leandro, United States
- Onward Health, INC — San Leandro, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wachter Petty, Kimberly — Onward Health, INC
- Study coordinator: Wachter Petty, Kimberly
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.