Peer Support for Caregivers of People with Dementia

(Pair 2 Care Trial)

Overseen By Sandra Solove, MA

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Ohio State University

Disqualifiers: Non-African-American, Non-English-speaking, Under 18, others

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

Approved in 3 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to test a peer support program designed to assist caregivers of loved ones with dementia. The program pairs current caregivers with former caregivers to determine if sharing experiences and advice can ease the caregiving process. It focuses on African-American caregivers who speak English and are either currently or have previously cared for someone with dementia. Family caregivers in this situation may find this trial a suitable opportunity. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique chance to contribute to research that could enhance support systems for caregivers.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

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

What prior data suggests that this peer support intervention is safe for caregivers?

Research shows that peer support is generally safe and well-received by caregivers of people with dementia. Studies have found that online peer support can enhance caregivers' emotional and mental well-being without causing major issues. Reviews of peer support groups highlight their value, offering both emotional and practical assistance. No major negative events have been reported in these settings, indicating that participants usually manage the support well. This suggests that peer support is a safe choice for caregivers seeking help and connection. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about peer support for caregivers of people with dementia because it offers a unique, community-based approach to managing caregiver stress. Unlike formal therapy sessions or pharmaceutical interventions, this method involves pairing current caregivers with those who have previously cared for someone with dementia, creating a supportive and understanding environment. This peer-to-peer model can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of camaraderie, which are often missing in traditional treatment options. By fostering direct connections and shared experiences, this approach has the potential to improve mental health and resilience among caregivers in a way that clinical interventions might not.

What evidence suggests that peer support is effective for caregivers of people with dementia?

Research shows that peer support, the focus of this trial, can greatly benefit caregivers of people with dementia. Studies suggest it boosts caregivers' mental health and provides essential companionship. Some caregivers reported feeling less isolated and experiencing an improved quality of life due to these support groups. Evidence also indicates that peer support can reduce the need for medications for anxiety or depression among caregivers. Overall, the data suggests that peer support is a promising method to help caregivers manage their challenges. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for African-American adults who speak English and are family caregivers, either current or former, of someone with dementia. It's not open to those who aren't African-American, don't speak English, are under 18 years old, or aren't family caregivers.

Inclusion Criteria

English-speaking

You are of African-American descent.

People who have taken care of someone with dementia (now or in the past)

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 18 years old.

People who are not African-American.

Non-Family caregiver

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Peer Support Intervention

Former caregivers are paired with current caregivers to provide peer support, focusing on advance care planning and healthcare decision making.

6 months

Regular peer support sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for satisfaction and appropriateness of the intervention for broader dissemination

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Peer Support

Trial Overview The study is examining the effectiveness of a peer support program designed to help caregivers manage the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Peer Support Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Former caregivers will be paired with a current caregivers

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Ohio State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

891

Recruited

2,659,000+

Cambia Health Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

190+

Cambia Health Foundation

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

190+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11811647/

A state-of-the-art narrative review of peer support for family ... Digital peer support for informal caregivers of persons with dementia shows promising evidence for improving caregivers' support and psychological health. As ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1041610224007105

A systematic narrative review of support groups for people ... The current review aimed to explore the effectiveness of support groups for people with dementia by examining outcome research from a range of methodologies.

3. humanfactors.jmir.org humanfactors.jmir.org/2024/1/e41202/

Usability, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a ... Current family caregivers rated CARES as above average in usability, whereas the caregiver peer supporters rated CARES as marginally usable.

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7646914/

Online peer support groups for family caregivers: are they ... A recent review of social support interventions for dementia caregivers found several positive effects for outcomes such as companionship, social isolation, and ...

5. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/famp.12684

Effect of support groups on caregiver's quality of life In conclusion, support groups could improve the caregiver's quality of life and decrease psychotropic drug use when the care receiver has low ...

6. aging.jmir.org aging.jmir.org/2024/1/e55169/

Perceptions and Utilization of Online Peer Support Among ... Our findings suggest that online peer support is valuable, but practical strategies are needed to assist informal dementia caregivers.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10359163/

Caregiver support and burden drive intention to engage in a ... A peer-to-peer online support platform for dementia caregivers, motivated by the sharing economy, putting exchange of knowhow, resources, and services at its ...

8. aspe.hhs.gov aspe.hhs.gov/reports/research-supportive-approaches-family-other-caregivers-0

Research on Supportive Approaches for Family and Other ... This paper examines how caring for a person with dementia affects the caregiver and what is known about effective ways to support caregivers.