Improving Palliative Care for Alzheimer's Patients in Nursing Homes
Official title: Utilizing Palliative Leaders In Facilities to Transform Care for Alzheimer's Disease
Run by Indiana University · NCT04520698 · Data updated 2026-05-14
This study is no longer in our active list. It may have stopped recruiting or finished. The details below are as of 2026-05-14 and are kept for reference. Check ClinicalTrials.gov for its current status, or see similar studies below.
This study tests a new approach to improve palliative care for older adults with Alzheimer's in nursing homes by training staff and connecting them with specialists to better support patients and their families.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 2000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Indiana University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Indianapolis, Indiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT04520698 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include long-stay nursing home residents diagnosed with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are short-stay residents or those receiving respite care may 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 evaluates the UPLIFT-AD model, which integrates primary and specialty palliative care for older adults with dementia in nursing facilities. The intervention involves training nursing home staff to provide primary palliative care, facilitating goals of care conversations, and offering access to specialty palliative care consultants. The study employs a randomized, stepped wedge design across 16 nursing homes in Indiana and Maryland, involving residents, their families, and nursing staff to assess the effectiveness of this comprehensive care model.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease and their families.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with integrated palliative care approaches, suggesting potential for success with this model.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: - NURSING HOME RESIDENTS: * Long-stay resident in an enrolled nursing home defined as not paying through Medicare Part A at the enrolled facility. * Has a diagnosis of moderate to severe ADRD, as measured on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) * Length of stay \>30 days FAMILY MEMBERS/SURROGATE DECISION MAKERS: * Family member and/or surrogate decision maker for an eligible resident in an enrolled nursing home * English-speaking NURSING HOME STAFF: * Staff, nurse, or nurse assistant in an enrolled nursing facility * English-speaking Exclusion Criteria: - NURSING HOME RESIDENTS: • Short-stay resident, defined as paying through Medicare Part A at the enrolled facility and/or receiving respite care FAMILY MEMBERS/SURROGATE DECISION MAKERS: • Non-English-speaking NURSING FACILITY STAFF: • Non-English-speaking
Where it's running
-
American Senior Communities
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kathleen T Unroe, MD, MHA — Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Alex Floyd
- Email: acfloyd@regenstrief.org
- Phone: (317) 274-9164
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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.