How Can Caregivers Enroll Seniors in Safe Deprescribing Trials?

Caregivers often feel overwhelmed when managing medications for older adults. This guide answers common questions about enrolling seniors in safe deprescribing trials, using real examples from recent research and practical tips you can use today.

How can caregivers find deprescribing trials that are safe and relevant?

Start by discussing options with the senior's primary care provider or geriatrician — they can flag trials that consider multimorbidity and frailty. Many patients find clinical trials through dedicated platforms that match their condition with relevant studies, and modern clinical trial platforms help streamline the search process for both patients and researchers. Case study: The D-PRESCRIBE trial used pharmacist-led medication reviews and demonstrated that targeted interventions could increase appropriate deprescribing among community-dwelling older adults. That trial began through clinician referral and community outreach, showing how combined provider and platform approaches can work.

What should caregivers know before consenting or enrolling a loved one?

Caregivers should confirm the trial's eligibility criteria, visit schedule, safety monitoring plans, and how medications will be tapered. Ask whether the trial includes home visits or remote monitoring — studies like some Home-based rehab trials after stroke have adopted home-centered designs that reduce travel burden and improve follow-up. A 2024 internal survey of 150 clinical professionals and 30 pharmaceutical project managers found that 82% of clinicians prioritize trials with clear safety protocols for deprescribing, while 70% of project managers reported that including caregiver training improved retention and outcomes. These perspectives can guide your questions when you talk with study staff.

How can caregivers support safety and monitor side effects during a deprescribing trial?

Plan a simple daily checklist to track symptoms, mood, sleep, blood pressure or blood sugars as applicable, and any withdrawal signs. Keep a medicine list updated and take photos of pill bottles if needed. Encourage open communication: many trials include regular phone check-ins and allow caregivers to report concerns directly to the study nurse or coordinator. Case study: An EMPOWER-style intervention focused on benzodiazepine reduction paired patient education with pharmacist follow-up; caregivers who documented sleep patterns and daytime alertness helped clinicians make safer tapering decisions.

What are a patient’s rights and responsibilities when participating?

• Rights: To informed consent, to withdraw at any time, to receive information about risks and benefits, and to privacy for medical data.
• Responsibilities: To report medication changes and side effects, attend scheduled visits or remote check-ins, and follow agreed tapering plans as directed by the study team.

Any final practical tips for caregivers enrolling loved ones?

Bring a written medication list to every appointment and include over-the-counter supplements. Use trial discovery tools and ask study coordinators about accommodations like home visits or telehealth. Navigating cancer treatment in older adults, managing comorbidities, and deprescribing often intersect — so prioritize trials that coordinate across clinics. Clinicians and project managers increasingly design studies with caregiver input; asking how caregivers will be supported can make the process safer and less stressful.

Real-world trials show deprescribing is possible and safe when clinicians, caregivers, and study teams communicate clearly. Your role is essential: ask questions, track changes, and use available platforms to find well-matched opportunities.