NCT07160673

Tech-based Respite Care for Caregivers and Homebound Older Adults

Tech-based Respite Care for Caregivers and Homebound Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 180 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Hong Kong University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

The goal of this study is to examine the effectiveness of VR-based respite in improving cognitive function, mental health, and quality of life in caregivers and homebound older adults compared to a control group using videos and a usual care group. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: VR intervention, video control, or usual care. The VR group receives immersive VR sessions using the SilVR Adventures platform. The video group receives non-immersive video sessions with similar content. The usual care group receives no additional intervention. Assessments are conducted at baseline, immediate post-intervention, and 3 months post-intervention to measure changes in depression, anxiety, loneliness, quality of life, and other outcomes. The intervention dosage will be 4 weeks (1 sessions/week; 30 min/session). Secondarily, the study explores differences in effectiveness between caregivers and homebound older adults, and potential moderators or mediators such as baseline health status, technological literacy, and social support.

Detailed description

All participants will provide informed consent at the time of enrolment. Both caregivers (CGs) and care recipients (CRs) will complete assessments at baseline. CRs are assessed for cognitive function (using Mini-Mental State Examination - MMSE) and other health indicators. CGs are assessed for mental health, quality of life, and caregiving burden. Participants are randomized into three groups: VR intervention (n=30 dyads), video control (n=30 dyads), or usual care (n=30 dyads). Randomization is stratified by CG age (\<60 vs. ≥60) and CR cognitive status (MMSE \<24 vs. ≥24). As the intervention, the VR group receives 4 weekly 30-minute sessions of immersive VR experiences (e.g., virtual travel and social activities) facilitated by trained research staff. The video group receives 4 weekly 30-minute sessions of non-immersive videos with similar themes, also facilitated. The usual care group receives no additional intervention beyond community services. At the end of the intervention, participants complete assessments again to measure changes in physical and mental health. All participants will be contacted for follow-up assessment 3 months after the completion of intervention.

Conditions

• Caregiver Stress
• Social Isolation in Older Adults
• Cognitive Decline in Older Adults
• Depression in Older Adults
• Anxiety in Older Adults

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	VR-based Respite	Caregivers and homebound older adults will receive 4 weeks of VR-based respite sessions. 4 weeks (1 session/week; 30 min/session) of immersive VR sessions using SilVR Adventures platform. Sessions include virtual travel destinations (e.g., cities, natural wonders) and social activities (e.g., group tours). Facilitated by trained research staff, with 5-10 minutes viewing and 20 minutes reflection/discussion.
DEVICE	Video-based Respite	Caregivers and homebound older adults will receive 4 weeks of video-based respite sessions. 4 weeks (1 session/week; 30 min/session) of non-immersive video sessions with content similar to VR themes (e.g., landscapes, cultural events). Facilitated by trained research staff, with post-video discussion. EEG data collected during viewing to assess emotional states.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-09-01
• Primary completion: 2026-10-31
• Completion: 2027-02-28
• First posted: 2025-09-08
• Last updated: 2025-09-12

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Hong Kong