Volunteer support for people with Alzheimer's and their caregivers
The PorchLight Project
This project trains volunteers in person-centered dementia care to support older adults with Alzheimer's and their family caregivers and compares outcomes to usual volunteer support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308672 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You or a family member could be paired with volunteers who complete online dementia care modules, a four-session practical training, and monthly coaching to improve day-to-day interactions. The University of Minnesota and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota will run the program across Minnesota using a randomized design. At least 171 people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, their family caregivers, and volunteers across 19 regions will be assigned to get the Porchlight training or usual volunteer support for 12 months. The study will collect interviews, surveys, and other real-world data to see whether the enhanced volunteer approach improves care and caregiver experiences.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias and their family caregivers living in Minnesota regions served by the program who are willing to work with volunteers.
Not a fit: People who live outside the Minnesota service regions or who cannot participate in volunteer visits or caregiver-reporting activities are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could make volunteer visits more helpful, easing caregiving strain and improving quality of life for people with dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous volunteer and person-centered dementia training programs have shown promising but mixed results, so this randomized trial will provide stronger evidence.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gaugler, Joseph E. — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Gaugler, Joseph E.
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.