Virtual reality glasses spark positive memories

Virtual reality glasses transport the wearer to exotic locations or allow them to take part in activities that spark positive memories and emotions.

The Mercy Health virtual reality project aims to engage discussion around reminiscence and create conversation triggers that will allow residents to participate more actively within their environment.

Mercy Health Lifestyle Manager Karren Gooding has witnessed the benefits directly.

“The glasses give people a 360 degree view – if they look up they can see the sky, or look down at the ground, so it feels like you’re there,” she explains.

The glasses were trialled on seven residents living with dementia at Mercy Place Parkville, sending them on a helicopter ride over France, Iceland and Africa.

“I was concerned the headset may agitate someone living with dementia, but it was fantastic. One gentleman finds it hard to express his thoughts. After he took it off, he was able to tell us clearly about coming to Australia, what he likes about living here – it triggered enjoyable reminiscing. It was quite remarkable,” says Ms Gooding.

“The other residents were equally as moved; they kept asking ‘Can we do that again, that was amazing!”

This innovative pilot will document and evaluate the use of this technology in a dementia care setting and provide an evidence base to contribute to the research into best practice of technological applications in dementia care.

Mercy Health has purchased four pairs of the virtual reality glasses and aims to raise enough money to have two pairs of glasses at each of the organisation’s 22 aged care homes.

The glasses will also be used to help younger residents with medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis tick off experiences on their bucket list.

To find out more or to make a donation towards the purchase of the virtual reality glasses visit everydayhero.com.au/event/realityglasses