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How is virtual reality used within care?

How is virtual reality used within care?

What is Virtual Reality (VR)?

Virtual Reality, or VR, is a simulated experience that employs 3D near-eye displays.

Virtual reality is a technology that simulates a computer-generated environment and makes it possible to interact with it in a very realistic way. It is three-dimensional (3D) which includes objects and features that can be manipulated, according to the VRS. Virtual reality is mainly used for gaming purposes and is an exciting new invention in this area. However, virtual reality is also used more frequently for educational, workplace and care purposes and can be used to provide learners with a virtual environment in which to develop skills and knowledge.

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How is virtual reality used within care?

Care is one of the biggest adopters of virtual reality to improve quality and skill-level.

VRS states that VR can help with surgery simulation, phobia treatment, robotic surgery and skills training when it comes to medical practitioners. VR can also help those receiving care by gaging the mind through interactive games, puzzles and memory exercises. These VR activities promote mental agility, problem-solving skills and memory recall. This is especially helpful to those living with dementia as it can help maintain cognitive skills, improve mobility and prevent falls.  VR technologies have increasingly been considered as potentially valuable tools in dementia-related research and care, according to the NIH.

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The benefits of virtual reality for those in care

Pain management

The BBC states that after multiple trials within the NHS, the government says immersive technologies have the potential to transform therapy and healthcare. Immersive VR is used to distract patients during medical procedures which allows them to escape into an alternative reality away from any painful stimuli they may be experiencing.

Distraction

Using VR can distract the user into a more positive world that may be a welcome distraction from any pain or discomfort. VR can come in a varied manner of forms, from beaches and sea landscapes to real-life memories that are familiar to the user. VR can create a positive environment that allows the person to experience life beyond a hospital or care environment.

Virtual exploration

Virtual reality creates computer-generated environments that simulate real-world scenarios or places. Scenes can range from sandy beaches, bustling streets, and outer space, to a picturesque garden scene. Not only that, but some companies can create a personalised VR kit that plays back historical events or memories from a user’s lifetime.

Spiritual support

Virtual reality can be used for mental health purposes to increase confidence and mindfulness and can serve as a guided meditation and relaxation tool. An article from the University of Oxford states that VR-hosted phenomena are interacted with similarly to which people interact with revered concepts such as religion and can offer comfort.

Types of care that currently use virtual reality

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Palliative Care
VR has been used extensively in palliative care as it’s thought to reduce anxiety, pain and provide a pleasant distraction. VR distraction therapy involves a patient in a certain environment which they find pleasing. This could be under the sea, in a garden or walking along a busy street from the 1950’s…VR tricks the brain into being present in another reality and the new environmental information leads to reduced anxiety and pain. An example of this is the National Garden Scheme is using VR to show calming garden scenes to those receiving palliative care which can reduce stress.
An older woman with long grey hair smiles whilst sitting up in bed, holding hands with a carer dressed in a purple uniform, in a warmly lit room with a patterned headboard.
Hospice Care
VR can be used within hospice care to provide comfort and peace to those within care. Certain companies can make personalised VR sets that show familiar events or memories to the user. My Life Films shows historic events that may prompt happy memories, such as the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, television shows form times past or people from a certain year. The Wayback creates homemade VR kits which tell the story of the user, including photo’s of important events such as a wedding day or birth. These are especially comforting to those with poor cognitive ability.
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Some examples of VR companies that are used within care include:
My Life Films The Wayback Recreo VR Virtual Reality Therapies VR Care

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Whatever your needs, our carers are experts at providing high-quality care straight to your doorstep. We offer condition-led care that can help with anything from cancer, strokes, dementia and more. We also offer disability care that can support brain injuries, Parkinson’s and Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Our carers can also help with dementia-specific care, elderly care, and palliative care and will become part of the family with their kind and friendly natures. If you want to hear more about our care options, don’t hesitate to contact us; we’ll be happy to discuss further.

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