Improving mental health for home health aides
Official title: Improving the Mental Health of Home Health Aides: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT06071221 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if an 8-week program that combines health education and positive thinking can help improve the mental health of home health aides.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Weill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (New York, New York and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 27, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 2026 |
| Study ends | June 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06071221 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are home health aides who are at least 18 years old, speak English or Spanish, and exhibit mild depressive symptoms or other risk factors for poor mental health.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not speak English or Spanish, or who have less than one year of experience as home health aides, will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to enhance the mental health of home health aides through an 8-week program called Living Healthy, which focuses on health education and positive thinking. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving the Living Healthy program along with peer coaching from trained home health aides, and the other receiving only the Living Healthy program. The study will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the intervention in reducing depressive symptoms and improving overall well-being. Most of the program will be conducted virtually, with initial onboarding potentially taking place in person.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the mental health and well-being of home health aides, leading to better care for their patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown success with similar peer coaching and behavioral health interventions, indicating a promising approach for this population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Currently working as a home health aide * Speak English or Spanish * ≥ 18 years of age * Have mild depressive symptoms (Personal Health Questionnaire 8-item \[PHQ8\] scale ≥ 5 points), or other risk factors for poor mental health as assessed by the following domains including stress (Cohen's Perceived Stress 4-item scale \[PSS4\] ≥5) or loneliness (≥6 on the 3-item UCLA Loneliness scale). Exclusion Criteria: * Speak a language other than English or Spanish * Less than 1 year of job experience as a home health aide
Where it's running
-
1199 SEIU Home Care Industry Education Fund
New York, New York, United States Recruiting -
Weill Cornell Medicine
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Madeline R Sterling, MD, MPH, MS — Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Study coordinator: Madeline R Sterling, MD, MPH, MS
- Email: mrs9012@med.cornell.edu
- Phone: 6469625029
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.