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When we think of virtual reality, we usually picture a teenager playing video games. But virtual reality is becoming increasingly common in healthcare. Through the use of a virtual reality headset and other equipment, people get the impression that they are in another 3-dimensional world. Check out the ways virtual reality enhances the lives of nursing home residents:
Pain Management
Virtual reality helps residents cope with chronic pain by temporarily taking them to a happy, peaceful place. In addition, it provides relief by guiding residents through relaxation exercises and meditations. Virtual reality can also provide distraction during painful procedures like dressing changes. It is especially helpful for amputees who are coping with phantom pain.
Occupational Therapy
Residents recovering from traumatic brain injuries or strokes can practice activities of daily living through virtual reality. Tasks such as preparing a meal can be set up in stages of increasing complexity as the resident improves. Feedback from the virtual reality program lets the resident see their progress and keeps them motivated.
Physical Therapy
Therapeutic exercises are a lot more fun and less monotonous when done through virtual reality. As a result, residents become more motivated to stick with their rehab programs longer. Virtual reality also helps residents learn to improve their balance, thereby reducing the frequency of falls.
Dementia Care
Virtual reality provides peaceful scenes and calming sounds that may ease anxiety and depression in people affected by dementia. Experts believe this therapy works by immersing the resident in a positive experience while taking away negative distractions. The positive effects often persist for hours after removing the virtual reality headset.
Activities
Virtual reality helps alleviate loneliness and boredom. It transports residents to beautiful locations around the world that they’ve never had an opportunity to visit. It also takes them to activities such as museum exhibits, concerts, or sporting events. Residents can travel back to places they’ve been to in the past—favorite vacation spots or their old neighborhood. They can even attend an important event like a family wedding without actually being there.
Staff Training
Nurses and other healthcare workers can practice procedures using virtual reality. This is safer and more convenient than practicing on a real resident. Training can be individualized to each person’s skill level.
Have you ever experienced virtual reality? Share your thoughts in the comment section!
**Update: After I published this post, someone shared a lovely video showing how a hospice in Toronto uses virtual reality. Please watch it here. (There’s a bit of advertising at the beginning, but it’s worth waiting to see the film.)
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