Buckingham Palace, Bamburgh Castle and Beamish Museum were just some of the sights enjoyed by Stockton care home residents in one afternoon using virtual reality (VR) technology.
The VR therapy session was held at Mandale House Care Home, on Acklam Road in Thornaby, by North East-based social enterprise Reminiscience and allowed the elderly residents to travel to some of the country’s most recognisable landmarks – all without leaving the comfort of their armchairs.
The residents’ likes and interests were taken into account before they were given a VR film tailored to their personal choices.
The films are shot in 360 degrees to make the experience more immersive. Headsets are then placed over the residents’ eyes so they can glance in any direction to get a different view.
Ashley Stockeld, a developer at Reminiscience, said: “Before we begin a session, we talk to the participant and find out what they like.
“If they have been a keen bird watcher, we can load short films onto the VR headset showing different kinds of birds, which can be seen even by those with poor eyesight.
“Initially, we filmed around Newcastle and Northumberland and then we expanded and started filming across Teesside, at the Hartlepool headland, the Transporter Bridge in Middlesbrough, the beaches at Redcar and Seaton Carew, among other places.
“The improvements in VR technology allow participants to see a 360-degree picture, providing a really immersive experience.”
Resident John Walker, a keen twitcher whose deteriorating eyesight has hindered his lifelong hobby of watching the birds outside, was astonished when he put on the VR headset.
Another resident and dog lover Margot Morris was delighted to watch the antics of labrador puppies. John Leckenby, a former sailor, experienced a film about tall ships sailing into Blyth in 2016.
Sarah Robinson, Activities Coordinator at Mandale House Care Home, said: “I watched the film from Beamish Museum. It felt so real, like you were actually there, walking on the cobblestone streets.
“When the residents used the VR headsets, they thoroughly enjoyed the experience, talking about what they saw for a long time afterwards.”
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