Care Residents Race Across the World Via Virtual Reality

From breathtaking Scottish Highlands to charming Cornish coastline, stunning Alpine lakes and far-flung Thai temples, older people at care village, Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme are fulfilling their wanderlust wishlists thanks to virtual reality (VR) technology facilitating trips of a lifetime.

Racking up air miles from the comfort of their Lower Street home, the senior globetrotters – often purported to be technophobes – are instead embracing the opportunities on offer, taking themselves and their loved ones to dream destinations.

Meanwhile, academics at Keele University are researching the long-term effects of VR when used by those residing in care environments, measuring impact on participants’ mental health, their views on life, and overall wellbeing.

So far, anecdotal results are encouraging as resident Dot Edwards says, “Fantastic! You don’t think places like that exist!”

Emma Palin, experience and heritage coordinator at Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme, shares more detail: “We are always looking for ways for our customers to experience new things, and they’ve relished the chance to visit new places. They come away with a buzz and are keen to share their adventures. Many have been ‘travelling’ with their spouses, children, and grandchildren. It’s been wonderful to watch.”

The technology is the brainchild of VAE Care, with co-founder Ben Malone taking on the role as tour guide, having captured the visits of impressive landscapes from around the globe to build and narrate the content. Backed by the National Lottery Community Fund, the project includes three other care operators in the area: Dougie Mac, Hilderstone Hall, and Katharine House.

Ben Malone, founder of VAE Care, said: “Virtual reality isn’t just about the headset; it’s about making meaningful experiences accessible to people who may no longer be able to travel independently. Seeing our participants’ curiosity, joy at making connections with new surroundings, before reflecting on their adventures is incredibly powerful.

“Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund, our work with Belong and Keele University is advancing research into the emotional response to VR, as well as the long-term benefits to wellbeing and making social connections in care environments.”

More information about Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme can be found at www.belong.org.uk or by emailing enquiries@belong.org.uk

Pictured: Belong Newcastle-under-Lyme customers travel the world from the comfort of their home. 

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