When Franciszka first put on virtual reality goggles, she was immediately transported back to her homeland of Poland.
“Wow. It’s like a dream,” she said.
“I feel like I’m walking on clouds.”
Daniel, one of the Leisure and Lifestyle Team Leaders at UnitingSA, says that he’s never had someone have such a strong reaction to the technology.
Research shows that, when virtual reality is used in aged care settings, it can play a part in enriching the lives of older adults, particularly those who may be feeling isolated.
“Virtual reality enables residents to be taken on a journey from the comfort of their home,” explains Daniel.
Rather than passive observation – such as watching a film – virtual reality puts the participant in the middle. With a turn of their head, they can explore a site and feel
like they are actually present at the location.
Franciszka using one of the virtual reality headsets at Wesley House Aged Care
For Franciszka, there is the added benefit that the narration of her virtual reality experience is in Polish.
Franciszka moved to UnitingSA’s Wesley House about six months ago. Her grandson, Mateusz and his wife, Hope, are regular visitors.
Today, they are sharing the virtual experience with her.
Thanks to the goggles, Franciszka is able to revisit the old capital, Krakow, and look around the town square.
Her grandson explains that there is a lot of history in the town.
“It was mostly untouched by the war, so it still has the old town feel,” he says.
“How does it make you feel?” he asks his grandmother.
“Warm around the heart,” he says with a smile as he translates her Polish into English for us.
After the virtual experience, Franciszka is chattier. It is obvious that it has awakened rich memories.
Franciszka with one of the virtual reality headsets
When asked what she remembers of her childhood in Poland, she says “We lived outside the town.
I liked to go exploring when I was younger. We’d go to the fields and the forest just down the road near my house.”
When the session concludes, Franciszka and her grandchildren head off to the Dunes Café at Wesley House.
No doubt there will be more reminiscing over a cuppa.
Find out about what else our homes offer by visiting our Residential Aged Care page.