Reducing fall risk for older adults receiving home-delivered meals
Official title: Tailored Occupational Therapy and Registered Dietitian Services for Home-Delivered Meal Clients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Ohio State University · NCT06586970 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests different ways of delivering meals to see if adding dietitian or therapy services can help older adults at risk of falls stay safer and healthier at home.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 750 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 20, 2024 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06586970 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are older adults over 60 who are homebound and unable to prepare their own meals.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients living in residential care facilities or those on hospice 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 effectiveness of four service models aimed at reducing fall risk among older adults who receive home-delivered meals. The models include meals alone, meals with registered dietitian services, meals with occupational therapy services, and meals with both registered dietitian and occupational therapy services. By addressing the nutritional and physical needs of these clients, the study seeks to enhance their safety and well-being at home. The research is particularly focused on older adults who are at high risk for malnutrition and falls.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce fall-related injuries among older adults receiving home-delivered meals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated the importance of nutritional support and therapy services in reducing fall risks, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Eligible to receive meals according to LifeCare Alliance's standard in-take criteria (Over the age of 60; unable to safely and independently leave the home; does not have access to a caregiver who can prepare meals) * Has a working freezer to store between 7-14 frozen meals/week * Has a working microwave or oven to reheat meals * Lives within LifeCare Alliance's 5-county service area Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals already receiving home-delivered meals from LifeCare Alliance or other meal agency (within the past 40 days) * Individuals residing in residential care or a skilled nursing facility * Individuals whose dietary restrictions prohibit them from eating meals from LifeCare Alliance's frozen meal selection * Individuals at home on hospice care * Unable to independently answer LifeCare Alliance's in-take questions
Where it's running
-
LifeCare Alliance
Columbus, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lisa A Juckett, PhD, OTR/L
- Email: lisa.juckett@osumc.edu
- Phone: 614-366-7543
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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.