Virtual reality offers seniors new experiences

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New virtual reality headsets are bringing new experiences for the residents at Delrose Retirement Residence.

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Oculus headsets arrived last month in an initiative spearheaded by administrator Bonnie Guthrie. Virtual reality (VR) is part of ongoing strategies at the Delhi retirement facility that focus on mental health and wellbeing for the residents.

“VR experiences can help improve the resident’s motivation for mental health and rehabilitation and improve their quality of life,” said Guthrie.

“VR makes them feel like they are out of the retirement home and assists with any loneliness, depression or anxieties that they may be experiencing.  Introducing VR headsets was well received by the residents and watching the joy and positivity radiate from them exceeded my expectation, I was truly thrilled for the residents here at Delrose.”

Staff speak with residents before a virtual reality session to ask if they have any fears before proceeding to ensure that no anxieties are triggered, said executive assistant Princess Peace.

Some residents feel limited in movement and virtual reality makes them feel like they were just on vacation, she said.

“They just feel like they’ve been somewhere they haven’t been able to go, they look refreshed like they have just come back from a real vacation.”

Delrose resident Shirley Cole thoroughly enjoyed the virtual reality session.

“The headsets feel absolutely real, the monkeys especially,” she said. “It was like they were absolutely in front of me; I even tried to touch one. It’s amazing, never seen anything like it. I saw elephants and children on a boat too.”

Staff members use iPads to view the resident’s activity and reactions while under VR, said Peace. Residents will have access to virtual reality apps that focus on nature scenery, material to help with depression and anxiety, meditation and more.

The headsets will remain as a permanent addition to the residence.

“The staff are excited to continue to see the response and we go above and behind to keep our atmosphere positive. This whole place works as a team for the residents,” said Peace. “We do shows and music, it’s all about mental health. I think we are just a little hidden gem and people don’t realize what we do here.”