Understanding how older adults with Alzheimer's make decisions about living at home

Decision Making and Implementation of Aging-in-Place/Long Term Care Plans among Older Adults

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10586141

This study is looking at how older adults with Alzheimer's make choices about staying in their homes as they age, and it uses a helpful tool to guide them in planning for their future needs so they can live safely and comfortably.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10586141 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how older adults, particularly those with Alzheimer's disease, make decisions about aging in place and the factors that influence these choices. It focuses on the cognitive changes associated with Alzheimer's, functional loss, and the impact of social and environmental factors on their decision-making process. The study utilizes a tool called PlanYourLifespan (PYL) to help older adults plan for their future home-based needs, ensuring they can remain in their homes safely as their condition progresses. By educating participants about their health and support needs, the research aims to empower them to make informed decisions about their living arrangements.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above who are diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

Not a fit: Patients who are not diagnosed with cognitive impairments or who do not wish to age in place may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help older adults with Alzheimer's disease maintain their independence and quality of life by facilitating better planning for aging in place.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with similar decision-making tools for aging in place, indicating a promising approach to this issue.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.