Training program to improve dementia care in assisted living
Official title: Evaluating a National Person-Centered Training Program to Strengthen the Dementia Care Workforce
Run by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · NCT06239688 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing two different online training programs for staff in assisted living facilities to see which one helps them provide better care for residents with dementia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1764 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chapel Hill, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 12, 2024 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 13, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06239688 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include direct care staff and family members of residents with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias in participating assisted living communities.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are not residents of participating assisted living communities or those who do not have family members involved in their 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 project evaluates two models of an online dementia care training program for direct care staff in assisted living facilities, comparing the essentiALZ training alone to the essentiALZ training combined with Project ECHO. The study aims to assess the implementation and outcomes of these training models on staff knowledge, attitudes, and care practices, as well as the wellbeing of staff, residents, and their families. Data will be collected from staff and families over six months through questionnaires and interviews at various intervals. The findings will guide future dementia care training initiatives for the long-term care workforce.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the quality of dementia care provided in assisted living facilities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that training programs for dementia care can improve staff performance and resident outcomes, indicating a promising approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: AL Staff: * Staff (part-time, full-time, and including contract staff) who provide direct care to residents at the participating assisted living community (e.g., certified nursing assistants, personal care aides, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, activity directors, social workers, and others) as determined by the administrator/health care supervisor * Are 18 years of age or older * Are able to read and speak English fluently Family: * Resident not expected to die or be transferred in the next six months at baseline * At follow-up, resident lived in AL community at least one month during the three months prior to interview date * Are a family member/legally authorized representative (LAR), or designated contact of a resident with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) of a participating AL community * Are 18 years of age or older * Are English speaking * Visit the resident at least monthly Exclusion Criteria: AL Staff \& Family: \- Are under 18 years of age
Where it's running
-
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sheryl Zimmerman, PhD — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Johanna Hickey, MSW
- Email: jvtsilbersack@unc.edu
- Phone: 9198433085
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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.