STEP for Caregiving with steps going up

Research Study Details 

This study is evaluating a new screening tool and caregiver education program designed for family caregivers of people living with dementia. 

As dementia progresses, care needs often become more complex. Caregivers frequently take on new responsibilities and must continually adapt to changing circumstances. Meeting these evolving needs can be challenging, particularly as the demands of caregiving increase over time. All caregivers face extraordinarily difficult moments and are at times overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving. 

Our team has developed a brief screening tool to identify caregiving challenges and areas where additional skills, strategies, or resources may be helpful. We have also developed an educational program consisting of four online modules designed to help caregivers navigate common dementia caregiving challenges. 

The modules provide practical approaches to caregiving, including recognizing and responding to changing care needs, understanding available resources and supports, planning for future care needs, and developing strategies to address challenges that may arise during the caregiving journey. 

With the exception of the initial clinic appointment and a second on-site visit, study activities can be completed remotely. Participants will complete study questionnaires and assessments over the course of the study. 

Participation in this study will help us better understand how to prepare and equip caregivers for the challenges of dementia caregiving and contribute to the development of tools that can support families caring for a loved one with dementia. 

Key Eligibility 

  • Adult caregiver of a person living with dementia 

  • Provides regular assistance or support to a person living with dementia 

  • Able to participate in online study activities 

  • Additional eligibility criteria will be reviewed with the study team