FallsTalk Falls Prevention Program for Caregivers and Persons With Memory Loss or Dementia

Development of a Prototype FallsTalk Caregiver Resource System

This randomized-control trial involves dyads consisting of a family caregiver (CG) and a person with memory loss or dementia (PwD). The FallsTalk Caregiver Resource System (FT-C) intervention is administered by the CG, whose role is to modify their interactions with the PwD. FT-C will create a 3-way partnership between an Interventionist and the dyad, capitalizing on CG-PwD interactions. The PwD will be observed by the CG and both will be evaluated by the study team. Brief daily FT-C intervention by the CG will stimulate the PwD's awareness and individualized weekly CG- check-ins with the Interventionist will increase the CG's skills. Our hypothesis is that FT-C will increase PwD's awareness of personal fall threats and encourage new falls prevention behaviors, resulting in reduced fall rates.

This is a single-site preliminary trial enrolling dyads in Western Washington state only.

Caregiver (CG) Inclusion Criteria:

• residence in western Washington state
• minimum age= 18
• family CG
• primary CG
• some daily personal contact with Person with Dementia (PwD) for 1 month
• basic computer skills and telephone access
• able to commit to 6 month study.

Persons with Dementia (PwD) Inclusion Criteria:

• living at home with residence in western Washington state
• minimum age= 55
• at least one fall in last 6 months or regular loss of balance
• can ambulate at least 6 feet
• ability to communicate thoughts
• willingness to participate.

CG Exclusion Criteria:

• Professional CG (unless primary CG for family member)
• distance CG unable to be physically present with PwD daily for 1 month
• terminal illness with less than 6 months to live
• CG has significant memory loss.

PwD Exclusion Criteria:

• Residence outside of western Washington state
• Living in Residential care setting
• non-communicative
• terminal illness with less than 6 months to live
• wheel chair or bed bound.