PEMBROKE — Early in 2018, the Recreation staff at Miramichi Lodge began researching innovative ways to connect with residents who can no longer interact with others or enjoy larger group activities. Staff decided to get onboard with technology and found the world of virtual reality. By putting on a headset that is connected to a software program powered by a mobile phone, residents are immersed in a three dimensional world and can travel virtually anywhere they wish to go — visit a sunset in Santa Monica, California; go hot air ballooning in Turkey; or watch the majestic elephants in Africa. The possibilities are endless!
Research examining the potential therapeutic benefits of virtual reality for residents has been very promising to date. Initial concerns regarding potential intolerance to the headset were found to be largely unfounded. Conversely, most residents were reported to react positively to the experience. A significant increase in conversation sparked by memory has surfaced as an unintended outcome of virtual reality use. Data gathered from residents as users of virtual reality identifies escape from boredom and the ability to travel virtually to be among the more popular benefits.
While research is still ongoing relative to the success of virtual reality, the staff and residents at Miramichi Lodge are seeing positive results firsthand. Virtual reality has provided the Home with more tools to assist residents by distracting and calming them with a wide variety of videos. Researchers with the University Health Network are currently conducting studies to determine the utility of virtual reality to reduce stress, anxiety and wandering.
Who knows where technology will take us next? Special thanks to volunteer Bob Graham for setting up our equipment at the onset.
