A Pilot Mixed-Methods Study of a Virtual Reality-Based Mindfulness Intervention for Live-In Migrant Dementia Caregivers in 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.