Virtual reality and well-being in older adults: Results from a pilot implementation of virtual reality in long-term care

Abstract

Introduction This paper describes the findings of a pilot implementation project that explored the potential of virtual reality (VR) technology in recreational programming to support the well-being of older adults in long-term care (LTC) homes. Methods 32 Adults in four LTC homes participated in a pilot implementation project where they viewed VR experiences of popular locations in Canada created especially for this project. Data in this paper are based on multiple viewing experiences ( n = 102) over a two-week period. Results VR appeared to be an effective distraction from pain for the participants. Participants of this study found the VR experiences to be enjoyable and were relaxed and happy while viewing them. Most participants were attentive or focused while viewing the VR experiences, and the experiences were found to be a source of reminiscence for some of the participants. Participants related well to others around them during a majority of the experiences and the VR experiences were a point of conversation between the staff and the participants. Conclusion The findings from this pilot implementation reveal that VR shows potential to enhance the physical, emotional, cognitive, and social well-being of older adults living in LTC, including those living with cognitive impairment.

Facilitators and Barriers to Using Virtual Reality and its Impact on Social Engagement in Aged Care Settings: A Scoping Review

“…The residents also took time to become familiar with the equipment. Some residents felt giddy and dizzy ( Brimelow et al, 2022 ; Chaze et al, 2022 ) while others felt headache, a heavy head feeling or nervousness while trying VR in the beginning. The staff has to be prepared to help residents remove the headset and provide support for safety, as needed ( Chaze et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Some residents felt giddy and dizzy ( Brimelow et al, 2022 ; Chaze et al, 2022 ) while others felt headache, a heavy head feeling or nervousness while trying VR in the beginning. The staff has to be prepared to help residents remove the headset and provide support for safety, as needed ( Chaze et al, 2022 ). Ferguson et al (2020) raised a practical and salient point about staff education; staff must be trained about the technology and be familiar with the residents’ preferences to tailor the program accordingly.…”

Implementation of a Virtual Reality recreation program in long-term care

“…All data collected using the Interact Short instrument, PAINAD instrument and qualitative interviews is reported elsewhere. 30 Here we present the Interact Short and PAINAD data by site location, to understand differences in efficacy between sites. The scores in Figure 1 represent the percentage of experiences at each site that scored a 4 or 5 (out of 5) for each aspect of the Interact Short questionnaire.…”

The effects of a combination of 3D virtual reality and hands-on horticultural activities on mastery, achievement motives, self-esteem, isolation and depression: a quasi-experimental study

“…In another study on a two-week VR intervention participants of the experimental group using the VR system reported being less socially isolated, being less likely to show signs of depression, and feeling better about their overall well-being, compared to the TV viewing group [ 16 ]. Previous research on the benefits of VR intervention has demonstrated a positive impact on the social well-being of older adults, particularly its potential to increase social interaction and provide a sense of accomplishment and improve mood [ 17 ]. VR possesses the potential to increase engagement between older adults and those around them, by providing topics of conversation [ 17 ].…”

“…Previous research on the benefits of VR intervention has demonstrated a positive impact on the social well-being of older adults, particularly its potential to increase social interaction and provide a sense of accomplishment and improve mood [ 17 ]. VR possesses the potential to increase engagement between older adults and those around them, by providing topics of conversation [ 17 ]. Another study revealed that a combination of 3D VR and hands-on aromatherapy significantly improved the happiness, perceived stress, sleep quality, meditation experience, and life satisfaction in institutionalized older adults [ 18 ].…”