Residents at Beacon House Care Home in Dartmouth have been travelling to the Grand Canyon, exploring the rainforest and even riding rollercoasters, all without leaving the comfort of their favourite chairs.
The home, which is part of Centrum Care Homes Group, has recently introduced a new virtual reality headset following discussions at a residents’ meeting. While some residents were initially unsure about what virtual reality involved, the Beacon House team spent time demonstrating the equipment and explaining how it could allow them to see new places, try new experiences and revisit memories in a safe and engaging way.
Since its introduction, the headset has become a popular addition to life at the home, with sessions taking place on an ad hoc basis around twice a month. Residents have been able to choose from a range of experiences, from travel and nature to more adventurous activities.
One resident, Mike, took a virtual trip to the USA and explored the Grand Canyon from his chair. He became completely immersed in the experience, taking in the sights and scale of one of the world’s most famous natural landmarks.
For Sheila, who has lived at Beacon House for two years, the experience offered the chance to do something she had always been curious about. A mother of seven with a strong personality, Sheila enjoys her garden and likes keeping up with new things happening in the world. When asked what she would like to try using the new headset, she chose a virtual rollercoaster ride.
The team cast Sheila’s view onto the television so other residents could watch along and share the experience with her. As the rollercoaster climbed higher and higher before rushing back down, Sheila laughed, gasped and talked everyone through what she could see.
Afterwards, she said: “What a great contraption this is. I really enjoyed myself.”
The session brought laughter across the room, with other residents joining in Sheila’s excitement as they watched the ride unfold on the big screen.
Residents have also enjoyed exploring different destinations, including the rainforest, with many commenting that the realistic sights and sounds made them feel as though they were really there.
Sarah Tremlett, Registered Manager at Beacon House Care Home, said: “We understand that life can sometimes start to feel very familiar as people get older, so we wanted to introduce something fresh, modern and exciting that could help our residents continue to live life to the fullest.
“Virtual reality gives residents the opportunity to experience things they may never have had the chance to do when they were younger, or to visit places they may only have dreamed about seeing. It brings the world to them in a way that is safe, fun and really engaging.
“Sheila’s rollercoaster experience was such a lovely moment. Everyone was laughing with her, watching what she could see on the screen, and it created a real sense of excitement and connection in the room. These experiences support wellbeing, spark conversation and give residents the chance to make new memories together.”
The introduction of virtual reality is part of Beacon House’s ongoing commitment to offering meaningful activities that support residents’ wellbeing, choice and enjoyment.
Beacon House looks forward to continuing its virtual adventures, with residents already discussing where they would like to travel next.
Comments
This article has no comments yet. Be the first to leave a comment.