Study investigates benefits of virtual reality for people with dementia

New research being conducted in Geelong is investigating how technology can benefit people with mild dementia.

Alan David Lodge resident Ron Pettifer. Picture: Supplied

New research is investigating the social benefits of virtual reality experiences for people with mild dementia, offering them the chance to travel the globe without leaving aged care.

The collaboration between Barwon Health, Deakin University and SilVR Adventures aims to address the loneliness and social isolation that challenges many people living in aged care, particularly since the start of the Covid pandemic.

Deakin researcher Dr Vanessa Watkins said the experiences were selected specifically for older people, offering residents at Barwon Health’s Alan David Lodge in Charlemont and Wallace Lodge in North Geelong a wide variety of virtual tours to places that would be difficult to visit, such as Ireland’s countryside, the Eiffel Tower, or familiar Australian landmarks.

“We have multiple headsets that can be used simultaneously, so these sessions can be

undertaken as a group, enabling social interaction in a shared experience,” she said.

“Reminiscing and story sharing activities have been shown to have a positive impact on those living with mild dementia, so this project is implementing virtual reality experiences and evaluating benefits for residential aged care residents.”

Alan David Lodge resident Ron Pettifer said he was impressed with the technology since learning to use it.

“You feel as if you’re there,” he said.

“It’s really good the way it tricks your senses.

“I thought it was astounding the first time I did it, seeing sights around the world.”

Alan David Lodge lifestyle officer Janette Purcell said residents enjoyed using the sessions to engage socially, as well as venture into virtual worlds for unique experiences.

“The technology shows residents what the world has to offer now, while also allowing them to have visual experiences from the world they remember when they were younger,” she said.

“It’s taken some adjusting as far as the sensation and immersion of virtual reality in a 3D space, but having that ability to look around and see these places has become something residents look forward to.

“We’re working with Deakin University researchers from the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Engineering to assist and learn enough that we can implement it into the weekly program here, after the research program has finished.”

With funding support from Aged Care Research and Industry Innovation Australia, the research will be completed and evaluated later this year, including a post-participation survey, and interviews that explore residents’ experiences and perceptions of virtual reality technology use.

Originally published as Study investigates benefits of virtual reality for people with dementia