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Virtual Reality and its Role in Hospice Care

Julia Bidgood

Virtual Reality

Jun 18, 2021

4 min read

Imagine this...one moment you’re skiing down the slopes of the Rockies, carving in and out of the evergreens that are sporadically popping out of the bright white snow; you hear the wind blow past your ears as you make your way to the base of the mountain. The next moment you are home in your living room, sitting in your favorite recliner under a soft blanket drinking a warm cup of tea. Seems crazy, right? Right. It is a little crazy, but it is totally possible with the help of Virtual Reality, a service that I proudly offer to our patients.

Continuum Hospice in Capitola, CA is one of the many companies integrating the Virtual Reality technology into their offerings as a therapeutic service to their patients. Continuum partnered up with a VR company that is geared specifically toward combating social isolation, a serious and often overlooked issue that is effecting a large percentage of our elderly population. Through their platform, Continuum’s patients have access to thousands of different experiences, trips and settings that are designed with seniors in mind. The Virtual Reality headset allows patients to accomplish bucket list goals, visit their childhood home, relive exciting adventures, and connect with others through their virtual community programs. VR gives patients the opportunity to fulfill end-of-life wishes that may otherwise not be possible.

Karla, a Continuum Hospice patient battling a cancer diagnosis, has been using VR as a way to enhance her personal well-being. Karla is a world traveler who has taken trips all over, where she has gotten up close and personal with all sorts of exotic animals. Now, unable to jump on a plane to South Africa to go on a wild safari, she is able to experience the thrill of an African safari from the comfort of her living room in San Jose. When asked about the benefits of VR, Karla is grateful because it “takes you out of your head and puts you in a good place”. She is now able to continue living life on the wild side as she had been before her cancer, and the pandemic took control.

While Virtual Reality is certainly entertaining, there are also immense mental, physical and social health benefits associated with its use. VR has been shown to improve mental health because of the cognitive stimulation, improved mood, and reduced agitation and anxiety that users experience while enjoying its features. Many users have shown improved physical health due to the upper torso, neck and arm movement and core engagement that all naturally occur when using VR. Patients have also reported a reduced perception of pain while utilizing virtual reality.

Julia Bidgood

NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

Julia Bidgood

Author

Julia, the Community Liaison for Continuum Hospice in Capitola, has had a passion for caring for the elderly for as long as she can remember. After having earned her degree in Health Services Administration from California State University, Chico she moved to Santa Cruz to begin her career in the field of geriatric care. Julia is an active member on the committee for the Santa Cruz Walk to End Alzheimers.

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