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New Program Educates Dementia Caregivers at Home
The Miami Valley Chapter and three other Alzheimer’s Association chapters in Ohio have joined with the Ohio Department of Aging and
the Benjamin Rose Institute to implement a program that will help both individuals with dementing illnesses as well as their family
members who are caring for them. This new program is called Reducing Disability in Alzheimer’s Disease (RDAD). Initial research was led
by Dr. Linda Teri, University of Seattle, Washington. This program is being supported by a grant from the Administration on Aging.
What is this new program about?
The Reducing Disability in Alzheimer’s Disease RDAD program is designed to help teach older adults who may suffer from memory problems how to do some simple exercises to improve their overall health. The program also teaches family members about symptoms to watch for and how to care for persons with memory problems. This program hopes to improve the ability of the person with dementing illnesses to carry out activities of daily living while also helping family
members provide assistance to their relative.
Who is being asked to participate?
Over one-hundred people in the Miami Valley with dementia will be asked to participate in RDAD during the next 18 months that the program is being implemented.
What does participating involve?
There are three key components RDAD participants will encounter during this study.
Time commitment: A specially trained professional will come to your home for 15 sessions each session lasting about one hour.
Learning and keeping a record: Trained professionals will teach exercises to the person with dementing illnesses to help improve strength and balance, and trained professionals will also teach family members how to assist their relative with these exercises. Family members will also be asked to keep a record of their relatives’ exercise progress.
Complete three surveys: To evaluate the RDAD program, family members will be asked to complete 3 brief surveys about the sessions that will be mailed back to the Benjamin Rose Institute.
Do I have to go anywhere or pay anything to participate in this program?
No. Our trained professionals will come to your home, and there is no cost for you to participate in this program.
Who will know about the information I give during a session or in the survey?
All information will be kept completely confidential. The information you give will never be identified individually, and data will only be presented in summary form.
If I change my mind, can I stop participating in the program?
Yes. Your participation in this program is completely voluntary. Deciding to stop participating in the program will in no way affect any services that you receive or may receive from the participating organizations.
More information...
You, a family member or friend can call the Alzheimer’s Association to learn more about RDAD and how to enroll a participant in the program. Contact our 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 for more information.
