MEMORI Corps: Activity-based Companion Care for Dementia

Activity-based companion care program. Delivered by trained senior volunteers, supported by a clinical team, over a 12-week intervention period (8 hours per week, 2 or 3 days per week) for each person with dementia/family caregiver dyad. Primary roles of the volunteers are to provide in-home supervision, peer-to-peer companionship, and a evidence-based individualized activity program that focuses on meaningful, engaging and enjoyable activities that match PWD abilities and interests.

"Persons with dementia/caregivers will continue any services and supports being used, will receive a free copy of A Caregiver's Guide to Dementia: Using Activities and Other Strategies to Prevent, Reduce and Manage Behavioral Symptom103), written educational materials on management of CG stress/well-being, and bi-weekly check-in calls to answer any questions about the materials. Volunteers randomized to waitlist control will continue with usual activities (volunteer or other), and will receive additional written educational materials on cognitive health (NIA) and exercise and Physical Activity (Go4Life), referrals to the Baltimore City Commission on Aging and Retirement Education for volunteering opportunities, and bi-monthly check-in calls to answer questions and maintain engagement. Waitlist dyads will be followed at specified intervals by the research team and then offered an opportunity for participation in the intervention arm."