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Community REACH II (Resources for Enhancing Alzheimer’s Caregiver Health) Initiative Continues to Monitor Effectiveness of Evidence-Based Intervention to Help Diverse Dementia Caregivers.

MIAMI, Fla. – United HomeCare Services (UHCS), the largest home health agency in South Florida, is seeking caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia to take part in a national research initiative designed to help ease the stress that comes with these caregiving responsibilities.

UHCS is the first home health agency in the nation to work with researchers in translating this evidence-based program into the community.  There is no cost for eligible caregivers to participate in the six-month counseling program, which also includes one year of follow up.  Additionally, participants receive 20 hours of respite support a month for 6 months.

Community REACH II was initially funded by the National Institute on Aging.  The research project monitors the effectiveness of behaviorally based interventions, compared to usual care, for improving quality of life among ethnically diverse caregivers.

UHCS is working to implement the project among caregivers in Miami-Dade County.  Project partners include the Administration on Aging, the Alliance for Aging, Inc., the Alzheimer’s Association, the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the University of Miami.

“We know well from so many family members that we work with just how difficult it can be to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia,” said José Fox, president and chief executive officer of UHCS.  “Community REACH II gives us an opportunity to reach out and help more of these individuals, at no cost to them.”

Participants are being phased into the program in groups, and a few are already well into it.  UHCS reports that the initial feedback from participants has been very positive, as indicated by this comment from one caregiver:  “I had no idea that there were others like me… going through what I go through with my husband every day.  It’s nice to know I am not alone and there are ways to make things easier.” 

Who Is Eligible?

• Caregivers of someone with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia (ADRD) who are at least 21 years of age.
• Caregivers who live with or share cooking facilities with the care recipient.
• Caregivers who provide care for a relative with diagnosed ADRD for at least four hours per day for at least the past six months.
• Those who are experiencing stress from caregiving.
• Caregivers who are not involved in another intervention study.
• Caregivers who have no illnesses that would prevent them from participating in the study.

How to Apply for Enrollment

United HomeCare Services (UHCS) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit home health and community care organization dedicated to making people’s lives better with proven quality-of-life solutions delivered in the comfort of home settings. Based in Miami, Florida, UHCS is a trusted industry leader known for pioneering advances in home care programs, disease management services, and educational support programs to help families care for elderly and disabled relatives in homes or other community settings.  

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Editor’s Note: Caregivers participating in the Community REACH II program and United HomeCare Services representatives are available for English/Spanish interviews.