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Covid-19 ImpactNew experiences enhance quality of life: Virtual Reality provides both recreation and cognitive therapy
It couldn’t have come at a better time as COVID-19 restrictions left many in long-term care facilities facing an isolating reality of limited social interactions and reduced quality of life programs. However, the staff at Carewest remained resourceful and continued to look for opportunities to keep residents socially and cognitively engaged.
The arrival of virtual reality (VR) equipment has given residents more opportunities to engage in a world they love.
With endless opportunities to engage in experiences that otherwise may be impossible, residents can dive into ‘larger than life’ worlds. The technology offers an immersive experience to explore personally relevant new and old locations or the joys of participating in activities such as rock climbing and swimming. For residents experiencing social isolation or with physical limitations, these experiences can be things they’ve always dreamed about.
The use of VR technology also has benefits for supporting overall mental health, provides brain stimulation and builds cognitive capacity, which has been proven to be critical factors in an individual’s overall quality of health.
Certain uses of the technology can also be used in therapeutic treatments for anxiety, depression, PTSD, pain management, and other health concerns. The power of VR is that it creates a safe, controlled environment while allowing a therapist to guide an experience and even offer other sensory tools such as smells that promote relaxation or trigger a memory.
In the most isolating and uncertain year, this technology has opened up endless possibilities for residents.
[VR technology] has provided an opportunity for our residents to explore virtual worlds and engage with technology on a level that they previously thought impossible.
Kristina McGowan, Recreational Therapist, Carewest
Who does Carewest care for?*
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*source: Alberta Public Labs (APL)
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