A Pilot Mixed-Methods Study of a Virtual Reality-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Live-In Migrant Dementia
Liora Cohen1, Assaf Suberry1, Peter Sun1,2
1Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel.
Background:
Live-in migrant caregivers play a critical role in supporting older adults with dementia in Israel but often experience significant emotional strain. Interventions to support their mental health remain scarce.
Objective:
To pilot-test a brief virtual reality (VR)-based mindfulness intervention for live-in migrant dementia caregivers and to explore its impact on caregiver burden, state mindfulness, and subjective experience.
Methods:
In a mixed-methods pilot conducted at a dementia day center, six live-in migrant caregivers participated in four 10-min VR mindfulness sessions. Quantitative measures included pre-post caregiver burden and post-session state mindfulness. Semi-structured interviews explored perceived relevance and impact.
Results:
Caregiver burden decreased post-intervention and State mindfulness ratings indicated high present-moment awareness. Qualitative findings described VR as a source of brief relief, emotional recalibration, and as a bridge to identity and belonging, suggesting preliminary benefits for stress reduction and coping among live-in migrant dementia caregivers.
