Care of Persons with Dementia in their Environments (COPE)

Description

COPE is an evidence-based behavioral home intervention for individuals with dementia and their caregivers which seeks to support the capabilities of older adults with dementia living at home by reducing environmental stressors and enhancing caregiver knowledge and skill. The intervention consists of evaluating current abilities and needs, and implementing tailored interventions focused on improving the home environment, medical and functional needs, care- and illness-related challenges and stress. COPE is implemented in some Medicaid HCBS programs. Some organizations have adapted the intervention using telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent randomized controlled trial comparing telehealth and home visit delivery of the intervention found that clinical outcomes were not significantly different between the two modes of delivery. There is a cost associated with this intervention.