VR-CARES: Feasibility of Virtual Reality for Caregiver Assembly, Relief, Empowerment, and Support to Improve Social Connection, Health, and At-home Dementia Care

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a virtual reality (VR) platform called VR-CARES designed to support dementia caregivers who provide in-home care. This study aims to reduce caregiver stress and social isolation by creating a virtual community where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and access supportive resources. The project involves caregivers employed by Right at Home who care for older adults with mild cognitive impairment or dementia. Participants will first be trained and familiarized with Rendever's core VR social engagement platform, using it for about 4 to 8 weeks to engage with their clients through shared activities like virtual travel and games. Following this, the VR-CARES platform, which includes additional features specifically designed for caregiver support and social connection, will be introduced for 8 weeks. Caregivers will use this updated platform to participate in virtual social gatherings, support groups led by a certified instructor, and group activities aimed at building resilience, wellbeing, and job satisfaction. Throughout the 16-week study, caregivers will complete surveys and participate in focus groups before, during, and after using each VR platform version to provide feedback and assess usability, job satisfaction, empowerment, mental health, social support, and adherence to the interventions. The study includes regular assessments using validated scales and questionnaires to measure changes in caregiver experience and wellbeing, with the goal of informing further development of the VR-CARES platform.

Virtual Reality for Caregiver Assembly, Relief, Empowerment, and Support (VR-CARES)