Care for America's Aging (CfAA): A Study to Improve Behavioral and Quality of Life Outcomes of Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment and Dementia and Their Care Partners
Massachusetts General Hospital
Summary
Care for America's Aging is a randomized pilot study investigating whether a home health aide training intervention consisting of enhanced dementia-specific curriculum content will improve: 1) behavioral symptoms of older adult persons living with dementia or cognitive impairment (PLWD/CI) and 2) global health-related quality of life among PLWD/CI and their care partners.
Description
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia disorders, also called neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), are highly prevalent among persons living with dementia or cognitive impairment (PLWD/CI) and represent major sources of morbidity and distress for patients and their care partners. NPS also predict higher rates of institutionalization - directly undermining the ability to "age in place", which is a critical patient-centered goal for most older adults. Thus, there is an urgent need for innovation and development of non-pharmacologic, behavioral interventions to prevent or mitigate NPS and…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 60+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria for Patients: * Age 60 years and above * Patients in Mass General Brigham healthcare system * Mild cognitive impairment or dementia diagnosis of no greater than mild-moderate severity * Discharge plan includes referral to home care services * As all surveys have been validated in English, we will limit participation to potential participants able to read English. Exclusion Criteria for Patients: * Discharge to Medicare short-term rehab only * Lack of care partner * Enrolled in palliative care (projected survival \< 6 months) * Clinical severity of dementia that is moderat…
Interventions
- BehavioralEnhanced home health aide training in dementia and dementia-related behaviors
8 hours (2 instructional days) of enhanced curriculum dementia-specific instruction for home health aides
Location
- Massachusetts General HospitalBoston, Massachusetts