An AI-powered app aims to support caregivers of individuals with dementia. LTSS Center Fellow Francesca Falzarano wants to know if it works.
Francesca B. Falzarano, PhD, a LeadingAge LTSS Center Fellow and assistant professor of gerontology at the University of Southern California’s (USC) Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, is leading efforts to develop and evaluate technology-based tools that can support the diverse needs of families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Falzarano and her team at USC’s Falzarano Family Caregiving Lab are conducting a randomized clinical trial to evaluate one such tool—a mobile application called “CarePair.” The self-assessment and referral platform provides dementia caregivers with personalized information and streamlines their access to relevant caregiver supports.
“Many caregiving-focused technologies continue to emerge, yet adoption remains low,” says Falzarano. “One reason is that tools are often developed without meaningful user input, resulting in products that are difficult to use or poorly aligned with caregivers’ actual needs.”
CarePair adopts a different approach, she explains. Its development was based on a step-by-step, user-focused process guided by principles of behavioral and translational science. Additionally, family caregivers and subject-matter experts served as co-designers of the application, providing essential feedback that shaped its design, content, and features.
Helping Caregivers Bridge the Information Gap
Results from earlier phases of the CarePair project confirmed that many caregivers lack basic knowledge of available services and are unsure how to begin the process of obtaining this knowledge. At the same time, caregivers often face information overload online when large volumes of irrelevant or inaccessible content make it harder, rather than easier, to find help (Falzarano et al., 2025).
“CarePair leverages technology to bridge the gap between caregivers’ needs and available services,” says Falzarano. “Its goal is to match caregivers’ needs with relevant services and supports without requiring them to navigate complex systems or spend hours searching for help.”
Caregivers using CarePair complete a 12-item needs assessment and a questionnaire about their preferences. Then, the app identifies and connects them with resources and services tailored to their specific caregiving situation. The app also enables users to:
- Search for formal services such as support groups, training, and respite care.
- Explore an online library featuring articles, videos, podcasts, and other content offering tips, advice, and comfort.
- Connect with other caregivers and professionals who understand their journey.
“Over the long term, the research team hopes CarePair will support caregivers throughout the dementia journey, recognizing that needs shift from diagnosis through end-of-life and into bereavement,” says Falzarano.
A New Phase in the CarePair Research
In early testing of the CarePair prototype, caregivers reported that the app’s assessment helped them recognize needs they often overlooked. Caregivers also rated the app’s tailored recommendations as highly valuable in reducing the guesswork involved in finding support.
In the current phase of the project, Falzarano and her team are assessing the CarePair app’s feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness. As part of this effort, the team is actively recruiting 80 dementia family caregivers for a virtual study. Researchers hope to gain insights into how caregivers interact with the app, how easy it is to navigate, and whether the generated recommendations are helpful.
Researchers will also perform an initial assessment to determine whether the tool affects stress levels, raises awareness of available supports, or motivates caregivers to follow the recommendations they receive.
Caregivers who participate in the study will:
- Access and use the CarePair self-assessment and referral application for six weeks.
- Complete two surveys and take part in two brief virtual check-ins.
- Receive resources aligned with their reported needs.
- Receive $50 compensation for completing all study activities.
Refer a Dementia Family Caregiver
The USC research team is eager to connect with dementia family caregivers interested in participating in the study’s current phase. LeadingAge members are encouraged to share information about the study with family caregivers whom they think might benefit from the CarePair application.
For more information, email the Falzarano Family Caregiving Lab or visit its website.