Hospice fulfils patients' dreams in virtual reality

In the USA, patients experience events in virtual reality that they are no longer able to experience in reality. VR can help against anxiety and social isolation with such moments of happiness in an uncomplicated way.

The Lily Hospice in the US state of Michigan offers patients virtual reality experiences. With virtual journeys to special places or immersive experiences, caregivers give the dying their last moments of happiness.

VR takes patients to special places

With the so-called Journey Programme, the hospice wants to offer its patients special experiences. Together with staff or relatives, the people in need of care can experience moments through the VR glasses that they are no longer able to experience in reality due to physical or mental limitations.

In addition to virtual trips to popular places, the facility also offers various activities such as immersive concert visits, VR fishing or diving in the virtual sea. VR meditations provide relaxation and a calm, peaceful environment.

VR in the hospice: Strength through experiences

"We had a patient who went swimming and diving underwater with dolphins, a lifelong dream. She was thrilled and burst into tears. That's very, very impressive, very powerful for people," says hospice owner Chris Warburton in an interview.

Through these new experiences, the hospice wants to give patients strength. In the future, there will also be personalised experiences. Warburton wants to bring local Detroit features into virtual reality.

With the help of 360-degree videos, patients could experience virtual walks along the riverfront, downtown or outside their favourite restaurant. It could also be used to attend graduations or weddings of loved ones.

VR as a remedy for isolation, fear and pain

The VR experience would reduce the negative effects of social isolation such as anxiety and stress. In addition, virtual reality helps with pain management, according to the programme description. These are findings that have meanwhile been proven by various studies. We also have more experience about this reports.

Source: Mixed