Helping Prevent Falls: Join the Guiding Star Study
For many family caregivers, the safety of a loved one with memory issues is a top priority. One of the most significant challenges in caregiving is managing the risk of falls, which can impact both the person receiving care and the peace of mind of the care partner.
The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Washington, supported by the National Institute on Aging, are currently conducting the Guiding Star Study. The goal is to understand the “wisdom of experience”—gathering insights directly from care partners to learn what truly helps prevent falls for those living with memory issues.
Why Your Voice Matters
Caregivers have a unique perspective that research teams often cannot see from the outside. By sharing your daily experiences and the strategies you use, you can help develop better resources and support systems for the entire caregiving community.
Who is Eligible?
You may be eligible to participate if you:
- Currently provide care or support for a family member or friend living with memory issues (such as dementia or Alzheimer’s).
- Have been providing this support for at least 3 months.
The study team is especially interested in hearing from care partners of different genders and diverse cultural backgrounds to ensure the findings reflect the needs of all families.
What to Expect
Participants will be asked to complete a self-paced survey that takes approximately 30–40 minutes. This can be done entirely online or in-person with a member of the study team.
Compensation is provided upon completion of the survey!
How to Get Started
There are several easy ways to join the study:
- Online: Visit the registration link at https://redcap.link/cpstar
- Email: Contact the team at equity.aging@austin.utexas.edu
- Phone: Call 512-471-1713
By participating, you are helping to create a safer future for those living with memory loss and providing invaluable data that supports fellow caregivers everywhere.
We hope this information is helpful to you in the important work you do as a family caregiver.
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