Virtual visits: Reminiscence in residential aged care with digital mapping technologies

Webber, Sarah; Baker, Steven; Waycott, Jenny

doi:10.1111/ajag.12902

Cited by 22 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…Despite mixed views about its perceived value, VR was the most common technology used by our respondents. This finding aligns with the growing research interest in the use of VR in aged care [ 13 , 25 , 30 - 33 ]. Studies have demonstrated that VR can be valuable as a calming tool for people with dementia [ 21 ], as a tool to support reminiscence in aged care [ 13 ], and as a way for people with dementia to enjoy experiences such as attending a concert [ 34 ].…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

“…Studies have demonstrated that VR can be valuable as a calming tool for people with dementia [ 21 ], as a tool to support reminiscence in aged care [ 13 ], and as a way for people with dementia to enjoy experiences such as attending a concert [ 34 ]. Conversely, recent studies have identified usability issues for residents [ 13 , 30 ] and highlighted challenges for staff in implementing VR in aged care [ 31 ]. This tension between benefits and challenges was evident in our interviews.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These initiatives are often led by the care organizations [ 7 ]. There is also a large body of research evaluating trials of technologies used for social well-being in aged care, including robot pets for companionship and comfort [ 8 ], social robots for entertainment [ 9 , 10 ], videoconferencing and social networking tools for communication [ 11 ], video games for playful interactions [ 12 ], and virtual reality (VR) for reminiscence [ 13 ]. Communication technologies can be valuable for expanding older adults’ social lives, helping people who are otherwise alone feel a sense of connection with the world [ 14 - 17 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Technology-Mediated Enrichment in Aged Care: Survey and Interview Study

Waycott¹,

Zhao²,

Kelly³

et al. 2022

JMIR Aging

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Background Digital technologies such as virtual reality (VR), humanoid robots, and digital companion pets have the potential to provide social and emotional enrichment for people living in aged care. However, there is currently limited knowledge about how technologies are being used to provide enrichment, what benefits they provide, and what challenges arise when deploying these technologies in aged care settings. Objective This study aims to investigate how digital technologies are being used for social and emotional enrichment in the Australian aged care industry and identify the benefits and challenges of using technology for enrichment in aged care. Methods A web-based survey (N=20) was distributed among people working in the Australian aged care sector. The survey collected information about the types of technologies being deployed and their perceived value. The survey was followed by semistructured interviews (N=12) with aged care workers and technology developers to investigate their experiences of deploying technologies with older adults living in aged care. Survey data were analyzed using summary descriptive statistics and categorizing open-ended text responses. Interview data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results The survey revealed that a range of commercial technologies, such as VR, tablet devices, and mobile phones, are being used in aged care to support social activities and provide entertainment. Respondents had differing views about the value of emerging technologies, such as VR, social robots, and robot pets, but were more united in their views about the value of videoconferencing. Interviews revealed 4 types of technology-mediated enrichment experiences: enhancing social engagement, virtually leaving the care home, reconnecting with personal interests, and providing entertainment and distraction. Our analysis identified 5 barriers: resource constraints, the need to select appropriate devices and apps, client challenges, limited staff and organizational support, and family resistance. Conclusions This study demonstrates that technologies can be used in aged care to create personally meaningful enrichment experiences for aged care clients. To maximize the effectiveness of technology-mediated enrichment, we argue that a person-centered care approach is crucial. Although enrichment experiences can be created using available technologies, they must be carefully selected and co-deployed with aged care clients. However, significant changes may be required within organizations to allow caregivers to facilitate individual technology-based activities for enrichment.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 84%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Technology-Mediated Enrichment in Aged Care: Survey and Interview Study

Waycott¹,

Zhao²,

Kelly³

et al. 2022

JMIR Aging

Self Cite

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“…There is a paucity of evidence comparing nonimmersive or flat screen technology with fully immersive technology (HMDs) in a therapeutic context in clinical older populations. A single-session study in aged care residents compared viewing Google Maps Street View using a tablet and HMD [ 47 ]. This study found that both forms of technology provided emotional experiences for older adults.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effect of Reminiscence Therapy Using Virtual Reality on Apathy in Residential Aged Care: Multisite Nonrandomized Controlled Trial

Saredakis¹,

Keage²,

Corlis³

et al. 2021

J Med Internet Res

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Background Apathy is a frequent and underrecognized neurological disorder symptom. Reduced goal-directed behavior caused by apathy is associated with poor outcomes for older adults in residential aged care. Recommended nonpharmacological treatments include person-centered therapy using information and communication technology. Virtual reality (VR) in the form of head-mounted displays (HMDs) is a fully immersive technology that provides access to a wide range of freely available content. The use of VR as a therapy tool has demonstrated promise in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder and anxiety. In addition, VR has been used to improve conditions including depression, anxiety, cognitive function, and balance in older adults with memory deficits, Alzheimer disease, and Parkinson disease. Research using VR for the symptoms of apathy in older adults living in residential aged care facilities is limited. Objective This study aims to examine whether using HMDs as a tool for reminiscence therapy improves the symptoms of apathy compared with using a laptop computer and physical items with older adults living in residential aged care. Methods In this multisite trial, 43 participants were allocated to one of three groups: reminiscence therapy intervention using VR in the form of HMDs, reminiscence therapy using a laptop computer supplemented by physical items if required (active control), and a usual care (passive control) group. The primary outcome was apathy, and the secondary outcomes included cognition and depression. The side effects of using HMDs were also measured in the VR group. Results Mixed model analyses revealed no significant group interaction over time in outcomes between the VR and laptop groups (estimate=−2.24, SE 1.89; t40=−1.18; P=.24). Pooled apathy scores in the two intervention groups compared with the passive control group also revealed no significant group interaction over time (estimate=−0.26, SE 1.66; t40=−0.16; P=.88). There were no significant secondary outcomes. Most participants in the VR group stated that they would prefer to watch content in VR than on a flat screen (Χ22=11.2; P=.004), side effects from HMD use were negligible to minimal according to the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire cutoff scores. Conclusions Although there were no significant results in outcome measures, this study found that participants engaged in the research and enjoyed the process of reminiscing using both forms of technology. It was found that VR can be implemented in an aged care setting with correct protocols in place. Providing residents in aged care with a choice of technology may assist in increasing participation in activities. We cannot dismiss the importance of immediate effects while the therapy was in progress, and this is an avenue for future research. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619001510134; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=378564. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-046030

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“…What is very evident is that this is an emerging area of scholarship. Webber et al 6 investigated the use of virtual visits in residential aged care and found that for some older adults, this was a valuable experience; however, the authors point out that there is a need for more support and training for older users and the people who work with them, so that these emerging technologies can be used more effectively. Miller et al 7 (e93) used photovoice to engage older residents in a participatory documentary photography method to reflect on and share their lives.…”

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confidence: 99%

eConnections—New possibilities …

Hampson

2021

Australas J Ageing

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Virtual visits: Reminiscence in residential aged care with digital mapping technologies

Cited by 22 publications

References 19 publications

Technology-Mediated Enrichment in Aged Care: Survey and Interview Study

Technology-Mediated Enrichment in Aged Care: Survey and Interview Study

The Effect of Reminiscence Therapy Using Virtual Reality on Apathy in Residential Aged Care: Multisite Nonrandomized Controlled Trial

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