Mason CARES Plus is an expansion study to Mason CARES and is specifically for those care partners who participated with us in Mason CARES. Mason CARES Plus will continue our virtual journey together with the aim of hearing from our care partners regarding the aspects of the Stress-Busting Program (SBP) and the Music and Memory Program (M&M) that were most (and least) impactful in reducing care partner stress.
In addition to hearing the care partner perspective, we want to hear from the perspective of our care partners’ loved ones with early-to-moderate stage dementia regarding their experience with M&M.
The overall goal for Mason CARES Plus is to obtain new practical insights to improve the targeting and effectiveness of this dual intervention (SBP and M&M). This information will help improve its adoption by care partners and in turn, reduce care partner stress.
Mason CARES Plus is funded by the RRF Foundation for Aging
We will begin recruiting for Mason CARES Plus after July 1st, 2023
For additional questions regarding Mason CARES Plus, contact the Mason CARES team: gerorsch@gmu.edu • 571-492-4188
Participant FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for the Mason CARES Plus Study
How is Mason CARES Plus different from Mason CARES?
Mason CARES Plus only involves two focus groups that will meet in fall 2023 and potentially one semi-structured interview with the care partner and their loved one in spring 2024.
Who is eligible to participate in Mason CARES Plus?
If you were a care partner that participated in Mason CARES then you are eligible to join us in Mason CARES Plus, regardless of your present caregiving status.
If your loved one is in the early-to-moderate stage of dementia (or related neurodegenerative disease) then we will reach out after completion of both focus groups to discuss your availability and logistics of this semi-structured interview.
How long is the Mason CARES Plus study and how much does it cost?
Participating in Mason CARES Plus is FREE.
As with Mason CARES, prior to starting Mason CARES Plus you will complete baseline assessment measures either on your own through RedCap, an online survey and data management system, or have a Mason CARES team member go through the pretests with you. These measures will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
Each focus group session will last between 60 to 90 minutes with two focus groups total. During these sessions, care partners will have the opportunity to discuss their experiences with the Stress-Busting Program and the Music & Memory program via open-ended question prompts led by Mason CARES team members.
When will the Mason CARES Plus study begin and what day/time are the focus groups?
Both focus groups for care partners will be scheduled in fall 2023:
- The first focus group will meet during the week of September 18th
- The second focus group will meet during the week of October 16th
The dates and times during these weeks are TBD but as with Mason CARES, there will be morning, afternoon, and evening sessions available.
The semi-structured interviews with the care partner and their loved one will be held in spring 2024. More info will be provided post-focus group meetings.
How much time per week is the Mason CARES program?
Time commitment will be no more than 60 – 90 minutes for each focus group session. Participants will choose which focus group meeting time to attend.
As with Mason CARES, the sessions will be recorded.
What will I receive by participating in Mason CARES Plus?
All participating care partners will receive $25 for completing both focus group sessions and an additional $25 for their loved one participating in the semi-structured interview.
Finally, you will receive the opportunity to connect with other care partners in your focus group (perhaps the same care partners from your Mason CARES SBP group!) to share caregiving experiences in this comfortable and supportive environment.