Reducing Loneliness of Older Adults in Long Term Care Facilities Through Collaborative Augmented Realities

Launched by VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY · Dec 20, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how to help reduce feelings of loneliness in older adults living in long-term care facilities. Researchers want to see if using special head-mounted displays (like virtual reality goggles) to create an augmented reality experience is more effective and satisfying than traditional video calls. Over four weeks, participants—who are at least 60 years old and have lived in the facility for more than three months—will engage in eight interactive sessions using this technology. Their experiences will be compared to those of another group using standard video communication.

To be eligible, participants must be able to understand and agree to join the study and should not have any severe health issues that would prevent them from participating. This trial is open to everyone, regardless of gender. Participants can expect to explore new ways of connecting with family members through engaging activities and discussions, which may help lift their spirits and improve their overall well-being. The trial is currently in the recruiting phase, so there is an opportunity for eligible individuals to take part in this exciting research.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • age 60 and older
• • residing at LTC greater than 3 months
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • unable to provide assent or consent
• • unable to understand or speak English
• • physical impairment that impedes participation
• • terminally ill