A Virtual Reality Program for Nursing Home Residents With Physical Disabilities

This project will evaluate how well the immersive virtual reality psychological program works in residential care homes and how it can be used in everyday practice. We will test its effects on mood, well-being, social connection, and related outcomes, while also examining what helps or hinders delivery in real-world settings, including any adaptations needed to make routine use feasible. It is needed to close the gap between success shown in controlled research and the realities of daily care, where staffing, management support, and diverse resident needs can affect results. By studying effectiveness and implementation together, we can learn whether the program works across different homes and how to sustain it over time. Residents may benefit through improved mood, well-being, and feelings of social support. Care homes may gain an engaging, adaptable activity that fits limited mobility and sensory needs, and the broader community and policymakers may receive practical guidance to implement, scale, and maintain an evidence-based mental health program for older adults in residential care.