Training assisted living staff to better care for patients with dementia
Official title: Preparing Assisted Living Staff to Care for Persons with Dementia: Palliative Care Education in Assisted Living for Dementia Care Providers
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-10885605 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping staff at assisted living facilities learn how to have better conversations with people with Alzheimer's and their families about end-of-life care, so they can feel more comfortable and supported during this important time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,866,197 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG087325-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10885605 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults living in assisted living facilities who have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not residing in assisted living facilities or do not have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the skills of assisted living staff to provide better end-of-life care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It involves a pilot program that educates staff on advance care planning discussions, which are crucial for patients who may struggle with decision-making. By improving staff knowledge and confidence, the program aims to facilitate better communication with patients and their families about care preferences. The study will be conducted in multiple assisted living facilities to assess the effectiveness of this training.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved quality of care and better end-of-life experiences for patients with dementia in assisted living settings.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that training programs for care staff can significantly improve care quality for dementia patients, indicating a promising approach in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dobbs, Debra Jean — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Dobbs, Debra Jean
Related research
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This study is all about improving care for people with Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body Dementia, especially in Black and Hispanic communities, by understanding their specific needs and finding better ways to support them and their families.
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Home-based palliative care for patients with dementia
This study is looking at a new way to provide home care for older adults with dementia and their caregivers, using a team of trained professionals to help manage symptoms and make life easier for families.
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.