Recruiting

Tech-based Respite Care for Caregivers and Homebound Older Adults

ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT07160673

PhaseNA

Enrollment180

SponsorHong Kong University

Age18 Years

SexALL

I'm interested View official listing

Conditions studied

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

About this study

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.

Interventions

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.

Primary outcomes

Change from baseline in depression and anxiety on PHQ-4 after intervention (Baseline, Immediate after intervention, and 3 months after intervention)
Change from baseline in quality of life on EQ-5D-5L after intervention (Baseline, Immediate after intervention, and 3 months after intervention)
Change from baseline in loneliness on UCLA Loneliness Scale after intervention (Baseline, Immediate after intervention, and 3 months after intervention)
Change from baseline in subjective happiness on Subjective Happiness Scale after intervention (Baseline, Immediate after intervention, and 3 months after intervention)

Eligibility information

Caregivers (CGs) Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 or above * Provide care to at least one homebound older adult (aged 60 or above) * Provide no less than 6 hours of caregiving per week * Able to communicate in either Cantonese, Mandarin or English * Willing to participate for the entire duration * Able to tolerate VR headset for at least 5 minutes (no severe motion sickness/epilepsy) Exclusion Criteria: * History of severe psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar) * Severe cognitive impairment (MMSE \<10) * Major neurological diseases (e.g., recent stroke, severe Parkinson's) * Uncorrectable visual/hearing impairments affecting VR/video * Unable to tolerate VR due to motion sickness or discomfort * Care recipient receiving long-term care service that conflicts with study Care Recipients (CRs) Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 60 or above * Homebound (unable to leave home without assistance) * Stable medical condition * Willing to participate for the entire duration * Able to tolerate VR headset for at least 5 minutes (no VR contraindications) * Able to understand and provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Same as CGs, plus MMSE \<10

Study locations

Sau Po Centre on Ageing, HKU, Hong Kong, 香港島 Hong Kong

Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.