Virtual Reality (VR) has made remarkable strides in enhancing the quality of life for older adults. Once tied to entertainment, VR now shows therapeutic promise, especially in dementia care.
The Growing Challenge of Dementia
Dementia is a global health concern, affecting millions of people, including a significant portion of the senior population in Australia. Dementia Australia, in particular, stated in January 2024 that it is the second leading cause of death amongst Australians and might be No.1 in the future.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but there are various other types, each with its unique challenges.
Caring for individuals with dementia presents multiple challenges, both for the patients and their caregivers, as patients suffer from cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioural changes. Providing effective care requires not only compassion but also innovative approaches that address their unique needs.
The Potential of VR Technology in Dementia Care
Virtual Reality technology holds immense promise in the field of dementia care for several reasons, such as the following.
Cognitive Stimulation
VR applications can be designed to provide cognitive stimulation, enhancing memory, problem-solving, and cognitive function in dementia patients.
Emotional Well-being
VR experiences can evoke positive emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve the overall emotional well-being of dementia patients.
Therapeutic Interventions
VR can be used as a therapeutic tool for reminiscence therapy, pain management, and anxiety reduction.
Enhancing Quality of Life
VR can transport dementia patients to different environments and experiences, offering a novel way to enjoy life and engage with the world. A notable example of this idea is Mildura, Victoria aged-care village Princes Court Homes having VR therapy sessions where patients can experience far-off locales like the streets of Paris, France or the African safari.
Training and Empathy
VR can help care staff gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by dementia patients, leading to better caregiving practices.
No Drugs Involved
VR offers non-pharmacological interventions that can reduce the need for medications with potential side effects.
Personalised Therapy
VR applications can be customised to suit individual preferences and needs, making therapy more effective and engaging.
Real-World Simulations
VR can create simulations of real-world scenarios, such as grocery shopping or taking a bus, allowing dementia patients to practise and maintain life skills.
How VR Can be Used in Aged-Care
Aged-care staff play a crucial role in ensuring the well-being of dementia patients. Embracing VR technology may help enhance their caregiving abilities in several ways:
Understanding Patient Perspectives
VR simulations can offer care staff a glimpse into the world as seen by dementia patients. Experiencing simulated scenarios of memory loss or disorientation can foster empathy and understanding.
Training and Education
VR can be used for training care staff in dementia-specific care techniques. It can simulate challenging behaviours, enabling staff to practise responses in a safe environment.
Communication Skills
Dementia patients often face communication difficulties. VR can provide scenarios where care staff practice effective communication strategies tailored to dementia patients.
Care Planning
VR technology can assist in care planning by allowing staff to assess a patient’s cognitive abilities and preferences through immersive experiences.
Reducing Agitation
Care staff can use VR applications to help calm agitated patients. Virtual environments that promote relaxation and engagement can be particularly useful.
Monitoring and Data Collection
VR systems can collect data on patient responses and engagement levels. This data can be valuable for assessing the effectiveness of interventions and tailoring care plans.
Real-World Applications
The above points have been tested to a certain degree in Australian settings.
Astro Digital
In June 2023, Perth healthcare tech firm Astro Digital Pty Ltd introduced the Virtual Aquarium, a large LCD smart TV displaying a 3D depiction of an aquarium. The object of the platform is to help relax patients diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease through the proven calming and stimulative effects of an aquarium – but without the water. Astro Digital is already offering “wall display” options for the Virtual Aquarium by putting a number of units to make a larger display.
Dementia Australia
In 2023, Dementia Australia struck a partnership with ACT/NSW company Goodwin Aged Care Services to trial deployment of VR machines for staff and residents. A VR program called the Educational Dementia Immersive Experience (EDIE) offers games with mechanics based on the experiences of 20 dementia patients. The objective was for EDIE to teach aged-care staff about the environment as seen through a dementia patient’s eyes to better improve care solutions.
One game in particular, has a player in the role of a dementia patient waking up from their bedroom in the middle of the night trying to get to the bathroom to urinate. However, the absence of any active lights suddenly makes the environment play tricks on the player such as the wallpaper moving – in the confusion, the “patient” loses control and ends up urinating in a laundry bin.
The EDIE tests have already generated positive reception amongst Goodwin staff.
“It gave me a whole different perspective of how residents are living with dementia. You might see me [the dementia patient] this way today, but when I have dementia I might be a different person tomorrow,” noted company deputy nursing director Elina Shrestha.
Dementia Training Australia
In February 2024, Dementia Training Australia (DTA) launched the Dementia Knowledge to Action training programme with pilot sessions held in Melbourne, the Gold Coast and Maroochydore. The programme takes place over four months, with aged-care facility management staff undergoing practical and classroom lectures discussing issues such as addressing behavioural changes in patients, dementia care, and operating practices. Part of those lessons involve VR simulations depicting actual conditions of a dementia patient, and designing a care facility to be more conducive to dementia patients.
DTA executive director Dr. Isabelle Meyer said aged-care facility managers and supervisors were encouraged to participate in the programme and pass down their knowledge to their staff.
VR Safety Precautions in Dementia Care
While VR technology offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider safety precautions when implementing it in dementia care.
Patient Evaluation
Conduct a thorough evaluation of each patient to determine if VR is suitable for their specific needs and condition.
Supervision
Ensure that dementia patients using VR are under the supervision of trained staff to prevent accidents and to provide assistance when needed.
Comfort and Fit
VR headsets should be comfortable and properly fitted to avoid discomfort or agitation in patients.
Sensitivity to Motion
Some dementia patients may experience motion sickness when using VR. Start with gentle experiences and monitor their reactions.
Content Selection
Choose VR content that is appropriate for dementia patients. Avoid experiences that may be confusing or distressing.
Regular Breaks
Encourage regular breaks during VR sessions to prevent overstimulation and fatigue.
Conclusion
As the ageing population grows, so does the importance of innovative approaches to dementia care. VR technology has the potential to revolutionise the way we understand and support dementia patients. It offers therapeutic interventions, emotional respite, and valuable insights for care staff.
With the above examples leading the way, Australian aged-care facilities and caregivers can harness the power of VR to enhance the quality of life for dementia patients and improve their own caregiving practices. By integrating VR into dementia care, we can pave the way for more compassionate, empathetic, and effective support for those living with cognitive decline.
For support of dementia patients please call:
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
- Suicide CallBack Service – 1300 659 467
- The National Dementia Helpline – 1800 100 500
- Dementia Support Australia (for dementia patient carers) – 1800 699 799
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage can help in adapting to an aged-care setting with VR devices. An Aged Care loan can be put in place to finance a senior’s residence at an aged-care facility, which may incur higher expenses to shoulder the purchase and training of VR devices for patients and staff.
Call the A.S.A.G. at 1300 002 724 or send an email to info@asagfirst.com.au to discuss your aged-care financing. You can also use the equity assessment tool below.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official advice. A.S.A.G. is not affiliated with any mentioned brands or companies.