VR Aids Assisted Living Residents Across U.S.
The Orlando Sentinel reports that the Encore at Avalon Park Assisted Living in Orlando, Florida is the latest community to test MyndVR technology on its residents. MyndVR – a Dallas start-up – provides VR tech to assisted living communities in hopes that residents will be amazed by the technology and comforted by the 360-degree experience. [gallery link="file" size="medium" ids="106517,106518,106519"] The Sentinel describes how residents can preview a variety of VR scenes with the equipment, ranging from the Grand Canyon and the ocean to more soothing scenes like a club or farm."They’ll spend no more than half an hour at a time looking at three-to five-minute scenes meant to evoke nostalgia, serenity and wonder. Choices include a 1950s jazz club with a live singer and patrons sipping martinis, a sunset on a farm and a painter creating a flower-filled canvas."[embed width="600" height="400"]https://youtu.be/_ybALH6qsoo[/embed] Assisted living and memory care residents alike seem to enjoy the technology, meant to reduce agitation and depression. The equipment is also said to be lightweight and simple to use, with residents sitting in a swivel chair, using the VR under supervision of staff trained by MyndVR. MyndVR CEO and co-founder Chris Brickler, says of the test in assisted living communities: "The hurdles are far less than we thought, and the unintended benefits are starting to be more than we anticipated." Though scientific studies have not yet proven the value of the technology among seniors, Dr. Rosemary Laird, a Winter Park, Florida geriatrician who specializes in memory disorders, says:
"The technology sounds promising — if only to bring the world to people who no longer can venture out."MyndVR reportedly plans to lease the equipment to assisted living communities that they've tested with in Orlando and Plano, Texas, and also to residences throughout the U.S. You can find out more about MyndVR and preview their VR technology on their website. Do you have questions about finding assisted living in a community that provides VR or other technology? Learn more from our resources, or let one of our Senior Living Advisors assist you.