VR&R: Preliminary Results on the use of At-home VR-Therapy for Caregiver Respite and Symptom Management in Dementia

Abstract: Introduction: With an aging population and rising dementia rates, there is an urgent need for affordable, personalized, at-home respite solutions. While caregivers of people living with dementia (PLwD) experience the highest levels of burden and distress, formal respite services are often costly or inaccessible. Respite interventions that both enhance mood and engagement in PLwD offer a promising way to reduce caregiver burnout. Therapeutic virtual reality (VR) is a safe, enjoyable approach that shows potential to reduce BPSD, improve quality of life (QoL), and foster social connection in PLwD and yet its potential to provide caregiver respite remains unexplored.Objectives: Here we present the preliminary results of “VR&R”, a 6-week open-label, pragmatic crossover trial with a target sample of 50 caregiver–PLwD dyads. This study aims to compare the impact of Solo versus Social VR therapy on (1) caregiver respite, resiliency, burden, and well-being, and (2) PLwD mood and BPSD, in order to inform the design of at-home VR-based interventions.Methods: Outcomes were assessed through mixed methods including standardized questionnaires, observations, semi-structured interviews, and in-app usage metrics. After VR training, dyads were randomized to complete two weeks in each VR condition (starting with Solo or Social) followed by 2 weeks of no VR access. In the Solo-VR condition, the PLwD experienced VR content independently, with the length and frequency of exposure determined at the dyad’s discretion. For Social-VR, participants co-experienced sessions with a trained research assistant skilled in supportive communication with older adults. The intervention included access to 94 360°-videos through “caregiVR”, a VR platform validated as dementia-appropriate through prior studies. The system includes a Meta Quest 2 headset with navigation and real-time casting managed via a paired Samsung tablet.Results: As of September 19, 2025, nine dyads have completed the 6-week protocol, including nine caregivers (average age 60.8 years; 66.7% female) and nine PLwD (MMSE range 7–26; average age 78.7 years; 44.5% female). VR-therapy sessions lasted approximately 30 minutes across conditions. The mean System Usability Scale score was 77.8 (range 67.5-92.5), corresponding to an “A” rating. Post-session satisfaction ratings averaged 4.5/5 stars in the social setting and 4.2/5 stars in the solo setting. Caregiver training required less than 30 minutes, and no technical support calls were reported. During VR-therapy sessions, top respite activities included socializing (e.g., phone calls, emails), completing household chores, and relaxing. Notably, 89% of caregivers were very likely to recommend VR- therapy to other caregivers.Conclusion: This is the first study to explore how VR-therapy can be used to achieve at-home respite time for caregivers of PLwD. Preliminary results suggest that both Solo and Social VR are superior to having no VR access, with caregivers reporting greater benefits from Social VR in terms of achieving uninterrupted respite time for themselves and social connection for the PLwD.

Keywords: Virtual Reality, Aging, Dementia, Caregiver, Respite

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1006986

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