Early Support for People with Mild Dementia and Their Caregivers at Home Eerder Erbij A Person-Centered Education and Support Program

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating an early support program called Eerder Erbij EE for people living with mild dementia and their informal caregivers who live at home and receive little or no formal care. The study aims to see if this intervention can increase caregiver confidence, reduce care costs, and improve quality of life, with a focus on preventing severe decline and delaying admission to residential care. This pragmatic, cluster randomized trial is led by VU University of Amsterdam and involves caregivers and people with early-stage dementia. The intervention consists of a 6-week person-centered program that includes education, information, and support groups led by healthcare professionals. Sessions are tailored to meet the specific needs and strengths of the person with dementia and their caregiver. Participants in the intervention group receive EE, while those in the control group continue with their usual care, which may vary by location but typically involves minimal formal support. Participants will complete questionnaires at home at the start of the study and again at 3, 6, and 12 months to assess caregiver self-efficacy, quality of life, caregiver burden, and care costs. The study monitors delivery of the intervention and gathers feedback from participants and professionals. The main outcome measured is caregiver self-efficacy at 12 months. Total participation lasts at least one year, allowing for thorough evaluation of EEs effects and cost-utility.

Eerder Erbij: The Path Towards Offering Timely Support for People With Dementia and Their Caregivers