Will participants receive anything for their time and effort?
Participating in research is a generous act which deserves recognition. Research
volunteers contribute to an important scientific effort which ultimately benefits many
people. In this study, monetary stipends are provided -- $15 for home visits, and $30
for clinic visits. Participants will receive reports of results from clinic visits, and also
periodic updates in study newsletters.
Who will use the information?
The information gathered during this study will be used by doctors and researchers in
order to understand the conditions that affect the elderly and to develop new
preventions and treatments. They will see data, or numbers, and not names of the
people who participated.
How do I know this study is safe?
It’s important to know that there are several layers
of monitoring during the research. The Hebrew SeniorLife Institutional Review
Board will review the study carefully every year for the protection of the participants.
Once a year a national committee of expert scientists will review the science in the
study. Every 6 months a Safety Monitoring Board will review the operation of the study
The safety and comfort of our study participants is one of our most important goals.
Will you provide transportation?
For those participants who would like transportation, our van will pick you up at your
home and transport you to the HSL research center, returning you home after your
clinic visit. There is no charge for taking the van. We hope this will make participation
safer and easier.
What will participants receive for their time and effort?
Participating in research is a generous act which deserves recognition. Research
volunteers contribute to an important scientific effort which ultimately benefits many
people. In this study, monetary stipends are provided for home and clinic visits.
Participants will receive reports of results from clinic visits, and also periodic updates in
study newsletters.
Who can participate?
Boston residents selected randomly by street address who are: age 70 or older,
planning to live in the Boston area for at least 2 years after joining the study, able to
speak & understand English, able to walk 20 feet with or without a cane or walker
What will I have to do?
Participants will first be interviewed in their home and then have a physical evaluation
at the Hebrew SeniorLife (HSL) Clinical Research Center. The interview and clinical
evaluation will be repeated eighteen months (1 1/2 years) after the first ones.
Participants will also be asked to keep track every month of some information on a
calendar which they mail free of charge to the research study office. This information is
simply whether or not they have fallen or been hospitalized.
Our experience
We have many years of experience with research involving older individuals who come
to our research center. People who have taken part in our studies have enjoyed their
participation. It is important to us that participants are informed and well cared for.
We have learned how to make the studies convenient, comfortable, and easy.
Who are the researchers
conducting this study? The research team consists of highly qualified
and accomplished geriatricians and research scientists.
If I have questions, will I be able to speak with someone?
We appreciate your interest in our study and your questions are very important to us.
Please feel free to phone us at our telephone information line. Our staff is available
from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call (617) 363-8483.
