New studies suggest that virtual experiences can be beneficial to mental health. When you think of virtual reality, you probably picture yourself or younger generations traveling through digital worlds and adventures. This technology’s immersive nature continues to expand in a way that can make the virtual and real world seem like one. It’s precisely this capability that has created a new form of therapy for those living in long-term care facilities.
New research shows that VR can help the elderly overcome some of the biggest obstacles to fighting off mental illnesses like dementia. Virtual experiences delivered through VR systems allow the elderly to connect with younger generations, find new joy in tech, and fight off diseases. Here’s how virtual experiences can improve mental wellness.
VR in LTC Facilities
Virtual reality has found a new home in LTC facilities thanks to innovative researchers who are curious to learn about the benefits these next-generation protocols can provide. Notably, VR systems are becoming more common, and manufacturers and service providers are driving this market forward. As such, VR has become a valuable tool for both patients and staffers seeking alternative forms of treatment to prevent mental decline.
Virtual Experiences Tackle Social Isolation
Social isolation is one of the most dangerous scenarios for the elderly. The less people interact with others, the faster they can experience cognitive decline. This risk becomes more prevalent when you factor in limited mobility and support communities. Additionally, social isolation costs patients and governments billions yearly, according to AARP statistics.
Sharing New and Old Virtual Experiences
Virtual reality systems have found value in their ability to bring people together. Many of these platforms offer multiple headset capabilities. This feature allows a group of patients to share the same virtual experience in real-time. This shared experience can then lead to future interactions in the real world, furthering the community’s cognitive activity and communication.
Source – Rendever
Virtual Experiences Connect Generations
Another reason why VR systems are a great addition to LTC facilities is because they connect different generations. The elderly aren’t known for their tech prowess. Even today, this lack of technical understanding can leave the elderly and younger generations feeling disconnected. Rather than have the younger generations glued to their phone during their next visit to Grandpa, VR systems allow the family to connect in unique and/or familiar experiences that provide fresh memories.
VR Tours
A perfect example of how this technology is used today can be seen in some of the available virtual city tour software. These options allow patients and their families to virtually tour cities around the globe. Some of these systems utilize Google Maps to allow patients to go to their past neighborhoods or areas they remember fondly. There are even systems that allow users to upload photos sent by loved ones.
A Tailored Approach To Virtual Experiences
Virtual reality systems for the elderly have been seeing increased capabilities. An example of one of the most advanced providers is Rendever. This Boston-based virtual reality company is unique in many ways. For one, its business model centers around providing healthcare to the senior housing space.
Rendever has made some changes to the VR approach that have shown to be real game changers. For example, they have tested out completely tailored VR experiences. In these scenarios, the experience comes from memories or future desires. For example, you may have an ex-pilot suddenly in their old plane, complete with the family photo they always had hanging, or an ex-diver exploring the bottom of the ocean.
These experiences have been shown to create strong mental activity in the elderly, who find that they can relive memories that are impossible at their current age. It also allows individuals to share unique details and their personal experiences as they recount the virtual and real moments in life that shaped their progression.
Impressively, patients can share these memories in real-time with others wearing VR headsets. Imagine Grandpa taking the grandchildren on a virtual flight over the great pyramids of Giza. All of this and much more is possible using these customized reminiscence therapy tools.
Designing the Virtual Experiences
Rendever researchers created their latest system after running a series of tests where they customized the VR experience directly to the patients. To begin the process, patients were selected and asked to list their likes and dislikes. This step seems trivial, but it’s very important. For example, a soothing ocean wave might cause relaxation in an old surfer, but the same view may cause an ex-navy war veteran to experience stress.
The researchers held multiple 20-minute sessions with patients where they experienced exciting and familiar moments. Interestingly, the company selected 10 residents with dementia and 2 without to see the benefits the technology could have on those with limited memory.
Notably, the VR platform is part of a smaller ecosystem that includes a conversational platform. This protocol allows staff and others participating in the virtual moments to discuss the experience in real-time, furthering the technology’s ability to combat social isolation.
Dementia Special Needs
Dementia is a serious cognitive disease that affects millions of people yearly. Sadly, this disease can cause people to lose their memories and even motor skills, resulting in complete dependence on caregivers. This disease is also hard on the relatives, who have to watch their loved one forget their past and family. Thankfully, this latest VR system has shown promise in reducing the effects of dementia.
The researchers found that they could induce more relaxing brain waves via serine environments and scenarios like playing with a baby or pet. The team is now seeing if the VR systems can help reduce responsive behaviors in dementia patients. Responsive behaviors are actions like aimlessly wandering, attacking people, spitting, grabbing, and more aggressive actions.
Relive Memories
Dementia patients saw the most improvement when they were sent to relive old memories with loved ones. They reported higher moral and mental health. Additionally, many expressed excitement over being able to do things that are now impossible at this stage in life. Some of the most common VR experiences included going back to their childhood home, family vacations, marriages, and other moments.
Bucket List Items
Surprisingly, the bucket list items were high in terms of the experiences requested by patients. You may be surprised to go to the moon with your grandpa next time you go visit thanks to these advanced systems. Bucket list VR experiences give the patient a sense of accomplishment and can help them get over their regrets.
Problems to Overcome
Several problems will need to be overcome to help drive mainstream adoption of VR systems in LTC homes. One of the biggest problems that Rendever and other VR providers have noticed is that many locations lack reliable and fast internet speed. Low-speed internet makes VR systems run boggy and can ruin the entire experience for all parties. Sadly, many care facilities don’t have high-speed WiFi yet, limiting their ability to utilize these systems.
Rendever is a Boston-based virtual reality systems provider that focuses on the senior living sector. The company has seen considerable success thanks to its unique business model and offerings, which are currently in use across +150 facilities in the UK and Canada.
Discussing his company’s goals, co-founder and CEO, Kyle Rand, explained the importance of utilizing VR technology to benefit those with limited mobility and health. He has spoken several times about how VR technology is the perfect tool to help prevent and combat mental decline and disease.
VR Service Monthly Rates
Rendever is one of the first VR providers to offer their services to the LTC home market. The company has multiple subscription levels that can range from $300+. The hardware kits needed to experience the VR system run around $1000 a piece as well. These costs will decrease as VR technology improves and hardware becomes more capable and affordable.
Canadian Association for Long-Term Care
Rendever has secured strong strategic partnerships already thanks to its forward-looking stance, innovative products, and business acumen. For example, an agreement with the Canadian Association for Long-Term Care will see the tech get integrated into many locations across the country. Already, the firm has operations in Kennedy Lodge and Baycrest, where the headsets have helped the elderly share childhood memories with the other residents, family members, and caregivers.
Companies that can Benefit from Virtual Experiences in Healthcare Research
This technology could benefit a lot of different companies in the coming years. From VR hardware manufacturers to artificial intelligence-powered VR designers, there’s a lot of room for this market to expand. Here is one company that could integrate this tech to boost its bottom line in the coming months.
Cisco Systems Inc
Leonard Bosack and Sandra Lerner founded Cisco Systems Inc. (CSCO +0.83%) in 1984. Their goal was to manufacture multiprotocol routers but quickly saw their efforts pivot towards additional virtual products like network interface cards, video conferencing technology, and more. The firm went public in 1990 and by 1999 had $12B in sales.
Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO +0.83%)
Cisco Systems recently unveiled an agreement with telemedicine company American Well to integrate telemedicine features into regular TVs in the coming months. These services transform your TV into an informative care point and safety service provider. This service can also be set up to monitor if an elderly person falls or requires assistance.
Cisco’s System is globally recognized as a leading provider of digital systems for multiple industries. The company could begin offering products that support VR integration into TLC communities and see increased investor interest.
Virtual Experiences in Healthcare is the Future
Virtual experiences may be the key to helping those with the inability to venture outside remain in constant contact with the rest of the world. The real benefit of this technology seems to be that the system includes customized memories and patient goals. In these scenarios, this tech has endless potential to help prevent cognitive decline and social isolation. As such, VR systems are tools that should be integrated into TLC communities wherever possible.
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