STELLA
Using technology to advance ADRD family education and support
About STELLA
STELLA (Support via Technology: Living and Learning with Advancing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias) uses a well-known program to provide education and support to family caregivers. Based on the original “STAR-C” program, STELLA addresses the difficult emotions and behaviors that come with dementia (both for persons with dementia and their family members).
STELLA is unique because it provides all sessions via videoconferencing over the Internet. Guided by trained research staff at the Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, family Care Partners (anyone who cares for a person with dementia) learn skills and effective methods to understand and address the changes and challenges caused by dementia.
Along with learning strategies to help with difficult feelings and behaviors, Care Partners meet others who have similar experiences. The aim of our research is to learn how helpful STELLA is for families.
Care Partners (anyone who cares for a family member with dementia) will participate in individual sessions with a Guide for 4 weeks, then in small groups for another 4 weeks to learn about dementia-related behaviors and how to cope with them. Care Partners complete online questionnaires about stress and mood.
For more information contact Dr. Allison Lindauer at STELLA@ohsu.edu or 503-494-7647.
Only ORCASTRAIT participants can join STELLA. Learn more about ORCASTRAIT
Increasing access to family education and support
Telehealth solutions, like STELLA, can expand the boundaries of caregiver support. In-person programs might hinder some caregivers, particularly those who live in rural areas, due to:
- Inconvenient meeting times
- Lack of respite for care recipient
- Lengthy travel time
- Cost of travel expenses
- Lack of transportation
More Research Studies
We have other opportunities to participate in research studies.
View our current caregiver research studies.