Using virtual reality to support caregivers of dementia patients
Official title: VR-CARES: Feasibility of Virtual Reality for Caregiver Assembly, Relief, Empowerment, and Support to improve social connection, health, and at-home dementia care
Funded at Rendever, INC. · NIH-11069637 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how virtual reality can help caregivers of people with dementia feel more connected and supported by allowing them to share experiences and learn together in a fun, immersive way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rendever, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Somerville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $349,333 |
| NIH project number | 1R41AG092119-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11069637 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are caregivers who provide in-home care for individuals living with dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not caregivers or do not have dementia may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the use of virtual reality (VR) to provide support and connection for caregivers who assist individuals with dementia. By utilizing Rendever's VR platform, caregivers can engage in shared experiences with their clients, enhancing their work environment and reducing feelings of isolation. The initiative aims to create virtual support groups where caregivers can connect, share experiences, and receive training in immersive settings. This innovative approach seeks to improve caregiver satisfaction and the quality of care provided to dementia patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance the well-being and job satisfaction of caregivers, leading to better care for dementia patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using virtual reality for social engagement and support among older adults, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Rendever, INC.
Somerville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stamps, Jennifer Joy — Rendever, INC.
- Study coordinator: Stamps, Jennifer Joy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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VR-CARES: A virtual reality caregiver support and connection platform for at-home dementia care
A caregiver-focused VR program helps home caregivers of people with dementia feel less burden and more connected by using shared virtual experiences and virtual support groups.
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Activities4Care: a digital assistive platform to boost well-being for people with dementia and their caregivers
A new digital platform will provide personalized, meaningful activities for people living with dementia to improve mood, behavior, and quality of life, with guidance for caregivers.
-
Family caregiver programs in nursing homes and dementia care outcomes
This grant studies how state essential caregiver programs during 2020-2021 affected the care and outcomes of nursing home residents with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
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Matching care to need in dementia transitions: tailoring services for people with dementia and their caregivers
A dementia-focused project aims to tailor hospital-to-home or SNF care transitions to fit each patient and caregiver, improving safety and reducing readmissions.
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PERSEVERE: Peer mentor support and caregiver education for Lewy body dementia
A caregiver-focused program using peer mentors and education to help families caring for Lewy body dementia and reduce caregiver strain.
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Caregiver tele-coaching to reduce abuse and neglect in dementia care
A caregiver-focused program (CuRB-IT) teaches practical, problem-solving strategies to manage care-resistant behaviors in people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, aiming to reduce abuse and neglect in the home.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.