Study of Virtual Reality and Video-Based Respite Care to Support Caregivers and Homebound Older Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of virtual reality VR-based respite care to improve cognitive function, mental health, and quality of life in caregivers and homebound older adults. The study compares immersive VR sessions with non-immersive video sessions and usual care without additional intervention. The goal is to understand how these tech-based approaches may affect depression, anxiety, loneliness, happiness, and other outcomes over time. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups a VR intervention group using the SilVR Adventures platform for weekly 30-minute immersive sessions, a video control group receiving similar weekly 30-minute non-immersive video sessions, or a usual care group receiving no extra intervention. The intervention lasts 4 weeks, with sessions facilitated by trained staff. The study also explores differences between caregivers and care recipients and examines factors like baseline health and social support. Participants complete assessments at baseline, immediately after the 4-week intervention, and again 3 months later. These include measures of depression, anxiety, quality of life, loneliness, happiness, cognitive function for care recipients, caregiving burden for caregivers, and technology acceptance. Researchers track these changes to understand the impact of the interventions, with follow-up to monitor lasting effects. The total participation time spans from enrollment through 3 months after intervention completion.

Tech-based Respite Care for Caregivers and Homebound Older Adults