Tech-based respite care for caregivers and homebound older adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial compares three arms: immersive VR respite, non-immersive video respite, and usual care, over four weeks. Both caregivers and their homebound older adult care recipients participate and complete assessments at baseline, after the 4-week intervention, and 3 months later. Outcomes include depression, anxiety, loneliness, quality of life, and cognitive function for care recipients, with analyses exploring differences between caregiver and recipient groups and potential moderating factors. The VR content focuses on virtual travel and social activities, delivered with trained support staff to ensure safety and engagement. Eligibility is defined for caregivers and care recipients who meet age, health, language, and VR tolerability criteria, with randomization stratified by caregiver age and recipient cognitive status.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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

Where it's running

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

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Dongling Linda Wang, PhD
• Email: ldlw@hku.hk
• Phone: 852-39102278

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.