Enter the World of Virtual Reality

Posted on September 18, 2018 by Rick Lazzari

Picture a world where residents can explore locations and experiences around the world as if they were there in person. Imagine what it would like to create experiences for residents that give them a sense of personal freedom, combat loneliness and depression, and create bonds with their fellow tenants who feel their passion for life reignited. This world exists, right now, through Virtual Reality. 

Recent clinical studies suggest the Virtual Realty could be the perfect answer for seniors to improve mental and physical health, substantially increasing mental functioning, memory, well-being and multi-tasking.  

Virtual Reality activities in senior living provide greater cognitive stimulation compared with traditional models of activities that use mediums such as TV and puzzles. If you consider the resident who is physically limited, possibly in a wheelchair or even bedridden, the benefits of Virtual Reality are priceless – allowing them to instantly experience the sense of walking, skiing, swimming by simply putting on a set of goggles and a headset. 

Life enrichment activities are often an important factor in helping seniors and their loved ones make decisions about a senior living community. Virtual Reality is a cost-effective solution to engage residents in social activities and improve their well-being. The technology does not create a heavier staff burden as it can be easily managed and implemented by one or two staff members or volunteers. 

Virtual Reality could also help boost staff morale and satisfaction. All to often in their day, staff may feel like they need a break. Allowing a staff “Virtual Retreat” periodically may help reduce staff turnover and burnout.  

We frequently hear that we need to embrace technology to achieve operational efficiency and market differentiation. But advancements in technology not only help to improve census, it can also impact the most important goal you have as a senior care provider: improving quality of life. 

Experience Virtual Reality at Annual Meeting

If you are attending Annual Meeting this week, make sure to attend the Marketplace Trends: Hot Takes on Hot Topics session at 8:45 a.m. on Thursday morning to hear more about Virtual Reality and experience the benefits this technology platform can provide.