Methods
CARES was a cluster-randomised trial based in Sydney, Australia. Trial participants
(n=360) were recruited from 15 residential dementia care sites across the metropolitan
area, selected for comparative management structure, standards and size. All selected
residents: were aged at least 60 years; were classified under the Australian Resident
Classification Scale (RCS) at category 1-3 (RCS determines level of care required for
individual residents, ranging between 1-8, 1 being most dependent); and provided
consent to participate in the trial directly or by proxy from their guardian or person
responsible. Exclusion criteria were serious co-morbidities likely to complicate or
mask dementia and/or receipt of palliative care.
The breakdown of units by intervention allocation, resident and staff numbers is
shown in Figure 1.