Globetrotting Moray care residents take a virtual tour of the world

14 February 2022

   

Residents at a Moray care home have enjoyed a virtual tour of the world thanks to the wonders of modern technology.

The globetrotting residents at Glenisla Care Home travelled through Europe, the Far East, Australia and even reached the Antarctic using virtual reality (VR) headsets.

The virtual trips were inspired by the son of activities coordinator Emily Clair who received a VR headset as a Christmas gift.

Emily explains: “It was actually my 10 year old son who put the idea in my head. He was playing a rollercoaster game and asked “do you think your residents would be scared of this?" It got me thinking about how we could use this technology to create meaningful, person centred experiences for our residents, especially those who cannot get out and about much.

“Thanks to VR technology, we were able to transport residents anywhere in the world, even outside the front door of the house they grew up in if they wanted. Residents could also enjoy a range of different outdoor activities such as diving, paragliding and mountain biking.

“One resident wanted to visit Singapore as she has some family living there, and then travelled on to Ayers Rock in Australia as she has always wanted to go there. Another watched the pipe band playing in her hometown Dufftown, which she loved. Others travelled to the Antarctic to see the penguins, visit Machu Picchu or savour the sunset from a cabin in the tropical jungle. One of our residents decided he wanted to relive a favourite holiday, so went on a walking tour of Dubrovnik. He said it was "just beautiful". Others just had a good giggle watching the poor staff trying to sit through a rollercoaster!

“It was huge fun, but also a fantastic example of how modern technology can be incredibly beneficial when used to its full potential. The experience was truly person centred, reflecting the interests and life history of each resident and that made it quite poignant for some.”

The virtual tour is the latest in a series of engaging activities enjoyed by residents at Glenisla. Last month, they took a nostalgic trip back in time, rediscovering the sights and sounds of yesteryear - from Victorian era toys, fashion from the 1950s and 60s and classic British cars of the 1970s.