Reducing fall risk for older adults receiving home-delivered meals
Tailored Occupational Therapy and Registered Dietitian Services for Home-Delivered Meal Clients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 750 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Trial ID | NCT06586970 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults over 60 who are homebound and unable to prepare their own meals.
Not a fit: Patients living in residential care facilities or those on hospice care may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Previous studies have indicated the importance of nutritional support and therapy services in reducing fall risks, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Columbus, Ohio
- 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
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.