We are Seeking Participants for the Following Studies

Title: Experience of Suffering in Old Age Funding Source: National Institute on Aging Principal Investigator: Helen K. Black, PhD Target population: Philadelphia area residents over the age of 80 years old. This 4-year study examines the experience of suffering and its relation to health, gender, and ethnicity among community dwelling elders aged 80+ using the open-ended interview schedule as its primary tool. This project explores through qualitative research the under-studied construct of suffering in later life and how suffering affects mental, physical and spiritual health. Participants are interviewed in their homes on three occasions and are paid for their interviews. Title: Project ACT: Advancing Caregiving Techniques Funding Source: National Institute on Aging Principal Investigator: Laura N. Gitlin, PhD Target population: In-home family caregivers and their relatives with Alzheimer’s or related dementia in the five-county area. This study tests the effectiveness of an innovative in-home intervention to help families manage behaviors that are complex and troublesome in persons with Alzheimer\u27s disease or related dementias. Participants are assigned by chance to one of two groups. One group receives visits from a nurse and an occupational therapist who help families identify problem areas, potential triggers for behaviors and nonpharmacological solutions to their management. The other group receives a two-hour in-home education session by a trained member of the research team. All participants are interviewed three times and are paid for each interview. All receive educational and referral information. Title: Project COPE Funding Source: Pennsylvania Department of Health Principal Investigator: Laura N. Gitlin, PhD Target population: Family caregivers of clients in Medicaid Waiver or Options Programs (Area Agencies on Aging) / Nursing Facility Care Eligible The study evaluates a program of in-home services to address family caregiver upset and boredom, depression, and troublesome behaviors in persons with dementia. Participants are assigned by chance to one of two groups. One group receives services from an occupational therapist and a visiting nurse. The nurse examines the client to identify possible medical problems. The OT assesses the client and works with family caregivers to identify potential behavioral triggers of problem behaviors. The OT designs a tailored program of activities for behavioral management. All participants are interviewed three times and are paid for each interview. All receive educational and referral information. For further information about these and other studies, please visit our website at www.jefferson.edu/jchp/carah or call (215) 503-2897 to speak to a member of our staff