Connect-Home for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia

(CH-ADRD Trial)

Overseen By Kathryn Wessell, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Disqualifiers: Planned hospital readmission, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

360 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a program called Connect-Home ADRD, designed to assist patients with Alzheimer's or dementia and their caregivers during transitions from a skilled nursing facility (SNF) to home or another care setting. The goal is to determine if this program can ease caregiver stress and reduce troubling symptoms in patients. One group will receive Connect-Home ADRD support, including a transition plan and follow-up calls, while the other group receives standard care. The trial seeks English-speaking participants with dementia who plan to leave an SNF and have a caregiver ready to join the study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative care solutions for dementia patients and their caregivers.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that the Connect-Home ADRD intervention is safe for patients with Alzheimer's disease and dementias?

Research has shown that the Connect-Home ADRD program has been tested in several studies to evaluate its effectiveness and safety. One study with 327 pairs of patients and caregivers demonstrated that the program facilitated the transition from nursing homes to personal residences. Although detailed safety information is limited, studies have not reported any major problems. This suggests that the Connect-Home ADRD program is generally safe for patients and caregivers, making it a viable option for those transitioning from facilities to home care. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Connect-Home ADRD intervention because it offers a comprehensive approach to supporting patients with Alzheimer's and dementia after they leave skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Unlike standard care, which typically involves basic post-discharge instructions, this intervention includes a personalized transition plan, caregiver training, and ongoing support from a Dementia Caregiving Specialist through follow-up calls. This structured support system aims to enhance the transition from hospital to home, potentially improving patient outcomes and easing the burden on caregivers.

What evidence suggests that the Connect-Home ADRD intervention is effective for Alzheimer's disease and dementia?

Research shows that the Connect-Home ADRD program, which participants in this trial may receive, can assist patients with Alzheimer's and other dementias. A recent study with 327 patients and their caregivers found that the program significantly reduced caregiver stress and helped manage patients' behavioral symptoms. The program offers training and support for both nursing facility staff and caregivers, easing transitions when patients move from care facilities to home or other living situations. Early studies have demonstrated that the program is practical and well-received by those involved. Overall, the Connect-Home ADRD program shows promise in easing caregiving and improving patient outcomes. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Mark Toles, PhD, RN

Principal Investigator

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias who are transitioning from Skilled Nursing Facilities to home or other care settings. Caregivers of these patients are also involved. Specific eligibility details aren't provided, so it's best to contact the study team for more information.

Inclusion Criteria

SNFs must be located within 120 miles of UNC-Chapel Hill

Patients must have a diagnosis of dementia

Patients must have a caregiver willing to participate

Exclusion Criteria

I am scheduled to be readmitted to the hospital for a procedure or treatment within 30 days after joining.

Caregivers who are court-appointed guardians

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Support for SNF staff delivery of transitional care processes and support for patients and caregivers by the Dementia Caregiving Specialist

30 days

3 follow-up supportive telephone calls

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for caregiver strain and patient neuropsychiatric symptoms after discharge

30 days

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Connect-Home ADRD

Trial Overview The Connect-Home ADRD intervention is being tested in this study. It aims to support patients with dementia and their caregivers during the transition from nursing facilities back into home care or other living arrangements.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Connect-Home ADRD Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The Connect-Home ADRD Intervention will include: 1. Support for SNF staff delivery of transitional care processes including a ADRD transition plan and booklet, caregiver training and engagement, and handoff of care to community providers and Dementia Caregiving Specialist. 2. Support for patients and caregivers provided by the Dementia Caregiving Specialist in three follow-up supportive telephone calls within 30 days of SNF discharge.

Group II: Standard Care - Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Patient and caregiver dyad randomized to the control arm will receive usual SNF and post-discharge care.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,588

Recruited

4,364,000+

National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)

Collaborator

Trials

623

Recruited

10,400,000+

Citations

1. reporter.nih.gov reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11166543

Project Details - NIH RePORTER Our recent trial of Connect-Home generated evidence for intervention efficacy in a population of 327 patient and caregiver dyads. In a supplemental award, we ...

2. trialfinder.panfoundation.org trialfinder.panfoundation.org/en-US/trial/listing/578436

Connect-Home: Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias This study is a parallel arm, cluster randomized trial (CRT) to test the efficacy of Connect-Home ADRD, a transitional care intervention ...

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197457222002245

Adapting the Connect-Home transitional care intervention ... Connect-Home ADRD is a transitional care intervention for PWD in SNFs. Pilot study findings demonstrate the intervention was feasible and acceptable.

4. trialx.com trialx.com/clinical-trials/listings/307097/connect-home-alzheimers-disease-and-related-dementias/

Connect-Home: Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias Overview. This study is a parallel arm, cluster randomized trial (CRT) to test the efficacy of Connect-Home ADRD, a transitional care ...

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/connect-home-for-alzheimers-disease-and-dementia-e3674

Connect-Home for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia This study is a parallel arm, cluster randomized trial (CRT) to test the efficacy of Connect-Home ADRD, a transitional care intervention focusing on Skilled ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05887388

Adapting Connect-Home Transitional Care for the Unique ... Patient and caregiver outcomes will be assessed with questionnaires in 30 days after patient discharge from the SNF to home. Data will be analyzed using ...

7. alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.14192

Technology that CARES: Enhancing dementia care through ... Outcomes for cognitive offloading interventions could include specific behavioral markers, such as adherence rates for medication administration ...