Advance care planning for older adults who were formerly homeless

Empowering Formerly Homeless Older Adults to Engage in Advance Care Planning in Permanent Supportive Housing (ACP-PSH): An RCT

NA · University of California, San Francisco · NCT06239896

This study is testing whether group sessions or one-on-one visits can help older adults who were once homeless better express their medical wishes while living in supportive housing.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment650 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of California, San Francisco (other)
Locations6 sites (Fremont, California and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06239896 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to improve advance care planning (ACP) among older adults who have experienced chronic homelessness and are now living in permanent supportive housing. The study will utilize an adapted version of the PREPARE for Your Care program, which includes video stories and easy-to-read advance directives. Researchers will compare the effectiveness of facilitated group sessions versus one-on-one visits in helping participants articulate their medical preferences. The study involves co-developing the program with input from residents and a Community Advisory Board to ensure it meets the needs of this unique population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are formerly chronically homeless adults aged 50 and older who are currently residing in permanent supportive housing and speak English.

Not a fit: Patients who are non-English speaking, have moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment, or cannot provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the ability of formerly homeless older adults to communicate their healthcare preferences, ensuring their wishes are honored at the end of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success with similar advance care planning interventions, particularly among vulnerable populations, indicating a promising approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Formerly chronically homeless adults living in permanent supportive housing
* English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Non-English Speaking
* Screen positive for moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment
* Self-report being deaf or blind
* Cannot provide informed consent based on the teach back method

Where this trial is running

Fremont, California and 5 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Advance Care Planning, Formerly Chronically Homeless, Older Adult, Permanent Supportive Housing, Homelessness, Aging Population, Decision Making, End of Life Care

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.