A program to help seniors reduce depression and improve social engagement after leaving protective services
Improving Adult Protective Services Client Outcomes: A Stepped-Care Social and Mental Health Engagement Program
This study tests an 8-week program to help older adults who have experienced abuse or neglect feel less depressed and connect more with others after leaving protective services.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06257095 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates an 8-week social engagement program designed for older adults transitioning out of Adult Protective Services due to elder abuse or self-neglect. The program aims to reduce depression and enhance social interaction among participants. It involves a stepped-care approach, where participants receive tailored social and mental health support. The effectiveness and feasibility of this intervention will be assessed through participant feedback and mental health evaluations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults who are transitioning out of Adult Protective Services and can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to consent or have severe psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health and social well-being of vulnerable seniors.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using social engagement programs to improve mental health outcomes in older adults, suggesting this approach could be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Older Adults * an APS validated EM/SN case * able to provide informed consent * able to speaks English or Spanish, * community-dwelling, * able to hear sufficiently using the telephone * transitioning out of APS intervention (i.e. in the case closure phase of the APS service). Student * college or university student * enrolled at one of the UTHealth graduate programs in Houston, University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Sam Houston State University, or Rice University * commit to making 8-weekly consecutive calls * complete the required 1-hour training and assessment. Exclusion Criteria: Older Adults * Individuals needing a proxy to consent * suspected or confirmed decision-making capacity impairments or uncontrolled psychiatric illnesses such as schizophrenia, paranoia, delusion, or delirium * Older adults transitioning to a nursing home, assisted-living, or residential care facility Student -only engaging in the program to fulfill some educational requirement
Where this trial is running
Houston, Texas
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston — Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jason Burnett, PhD — The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
- Study coordinator: Jason Burnett, PhD
- Email: Jason.Burnett@uth.tmc.edu
- Phone: (713) 873-4685
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.