Care home residents travel the world without leaving Boston
Residents at Elmwood House Care Home in Boston, have experienced a journey around the world – all from the comfort of their own lounge – thanks to an innovative virtual reality (VR) project.
The initiative was inspired by Alina Krasteva, a local church volunteer who has been supporting Elmwood House in engaging residents with creative activities such as reminiscence sessions and “letters to the future.”
Alina wanted to take the experience a step further by introducing VR headsets to allow residents to explore iconic locations globally.
With support from Boston College’s media department, two media staff members, accompanied by two Health & Social Care students, visited Elmwood House to bring the project to life. The students, eager to gain hands-on experience with older adults in a care setting, also got a chance to observe the day-to-day life of a care home and engage directly with residents, helping to break down misconceptions about care homes.
Five residents took part in the immersive experience. George Phillips, initially hesitant and sceptical, was transported to the bustling streets of New York City and was amazed by the experience. “You cannot believe what you’re able to see, it’s really good. I felt like I was walking again,” he said after the session.
Other residents explored the Grand Canyon, Australia, coral reefs, and even enjoyed being surrounded by dogs and puppies. Lily Willerton, a resident who visited the canine world, described it as “a dream come true to be surrounded by dogs, I love dogs.”
Jean Matthews, Wellbeing Coordinator at Elmwood House, said the activity brought huge enjoyment to residents:
“Seeing the residents’ reactions was absolutely wonderful. Some were unsure at first, but once they put the headset on they were completely immersed. It opened up experiences that many of our residents may never have had the opportunity to see otherwise, and the laughter and excitement in the room said it all.”
The project highlights the positive impact of technology in care homes, offering residents new experiences, stimulating memories, and joy, while fostering community engagement and learning opportunities for future social care professionals.