Translating dementia research into home-based practice:

Dementia creates significant health and economic costs to persons with Dementia, their caregivers, and society (Fahs, et al. 2010). Evidence-based research using randomized controlled trials has produced psychosocial interventions effective in reducing these costs, particularly the studies of Laura Gitlin and Mary Mittelman. These interventions have been translated into several practice settings. However, the interventions have not been modified for acceptance as a covered service under the Medicare home health benefit. The paper presents the research; discusses its translational work to date; and discusses next steps to translating the research into a Medicare home health covered service.