Support for caregivers of people living with dementia

Community Health Worker-Led Hospital-to-Community Transition Support for Persons Living With Dementia and Their Caregivers

This study is testing a new support program led by community health workers to see if it helps caregivers of people with dementia feel more satisfied and stick with the program.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 100 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Texas at Austin (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Austin, Texas)
• Trial ID: NCT06831318 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This intervention focuses on providing community health worker (CHW)-led support to caregivers of individuals living with dementia. The study aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention by evaluating caregiver satisfaction and adherence to the intervention protocol. It involves a single-site, single-arm design where caregivers and their care recipients will participate in telephone sessions with CHW coaches. Additionally, interviews with healthcare providers will be conducted to gather insights on the intervention's relevance and integration into healthcare workflows.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include hospitalized individuals aged 50 or older with confirmed or suspected dementia and their family caregivers who assist with their medical care.

Not a fit: Patients who are not hospitalized or those living in long-term care facilities may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance caregiver support and improve the quality of care for individuals living with dementia.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with community health worker interventions in similar contexts, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Hospitalized Patients:

1. Aged 50 or older
2. Has confirmed or suspected dementia or cognitive impairment (i.e., having memory concerns) ;
3. Has FAST score 4-6;
4. Admitted from home (not a long-term care facility)

Family Caregiver:

1. Aged 18 or older;
2. English or Spanish speaking;
3. Patient's relative, or partner who assists with medical care on a regular basis and who may or may not live in the same residence and who is not paid for their help; and
4. Legally authorized representative (LAR) for the patient if the patient is not able to consent for themselves in the study.

Staff Participants:

1. Aged 18 and older,
2. English speaking,
3. Employed full-time or part-time at or affiliated with either site, and
4. Involved directly or indirectly with patient care (i.e., administrative or non-clinical support staff) such as: nurses, physicians, physician assistants, care managers, social workers, chaplains, discharge planners, IT staff, administrative managers

Key Informants:

1. For hospital staff key informants, same eligibility criteria as above
2. For family caregivers (current or formal)

   1. Aged 18 or older;
   2. English or Spanish speaking;
   3. Currently or previously were caring for a relative with dementia

Content experts or community service providers:

1. Aged 18 or older;
2. English or Spanish speaking;
3. Have professional experience working with and/or have expertise about dementia care and caregiving or related areas (e.g., aging service providers, staff at Alzheimer's association, scholars in the area of aging, dementia, caregiving, or care transition)

Exclusion Criteria:

Hospitalized Patients:

1. Patients who do not meet eligibility criteria
2. Patients who are eligible for hospice

Caregivers:

1. Caregivers who do not meet the eligibility criteria

Staff participants:

1. Staff who do not meet the eligibility criteria
2. Staff who do not speak English

Key Informants:

1. Individuals who do not meet the eligibility criteria

Where this trial is running

Austin, Texas

• Dell Seton Medical Center — Austin, Texas, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jung Kwak, PhD — University of Texas at Austin
• Study coordinator: Jung Kwak, PhD

Conditions: Cognitive Impairment, Dementia, Memory Deficits, caregiver, care transition, community health worker, dementia, cognitive impairment