The Aveley Lodge care home in Colchester has been treated to virtual reality (VR) technology through Community360.
In conjunction with the University of Essex, the charity is enabling residents to explore the globe, with locations ranging from former homes to dream destinations.
Since April, the project has been running bi-weekly, with 44 residents participating.
Through the use of VR controllers and a pedal exerciser, residents immerse themselves in the experience.
They see and hear their surrounding environments, even travelling specific routes of their choice.
In a recent session, six participants took a digital jaunt across Europe and North America.
Three visited Austria – one of whom had holidayed there in the past and enjoyed revisiting familiar places.
Inspired by a virtual ‘Sound of Music’ trail, one resident began singing: “The hills are alive, with the sound of music.”
Meanwhile, others travelled to Paris’s Eiffel Tower, witnessing it adorned with the Olympic rings from the recent Games.
Another resident revisited his evacuation location in Canada, surprising staff with his clear memory of the directions.
The project has received excellent feedback from residents.
Some residents have shown improvements in strength, coordination and dexterity, moving the controller with increased confidence and speed.
Emily Wingate, from Community360, said: “It’s been fantastic to see benefits that the VR technology has had on the residents – not only do they have the opportunity to see parts of the world they have never seen before, as well as familiar places they thought they would never see again, but the activity also helps bring everyone together and prompts new discussions and helps build relationships.”
Additionally, Emily Daniels from Aveley Lodge said: “It has been heart-warming to see how excited they are each week when they can travel to new places.”
