Virtual Reality (VR) Experiences
What is Virtual Reality?
Virtual reality (VR) involves a using a headset combined with software-generated simulations of real or imagined 3D environments, that a person can interact with using their own movements. Virtual reality has advantages in the field of health promotion in a variety of settings, and is often used to increase engagement and motivation for those who have mobility limitations, who are socially isolated, and experience chronic health conditions. Virtual reality may involve interactive games, exercise, or relaxation environments such as a simulated garden. Virtual reality technologies can be used for a range of activities in disability and aged-care settings, including to address pain management; VR can engage an individual to distract them from their pain by guiding them through relaxation exercises, virtual reality games, and even calming scenery.
Virtual reality can be used to support reminiscence therapy by recreating historical events, settings and even personal memories which can be a pleasant experience for older adults living with dementia. This technology can also be used to provide interactive physical exercises and supporting social experiences without having to leave home.
Who can use VR?
The best part is that VR can be used by people of all ages and abilities! It can help you to discover parts of the world you might never otherwise experience, and in such an immersive and life-like way.
Sessions can also be tailored for those in the CALD community, with over 30 languages available.
What are the benefits of using VR?
Distraction from physical and/or emotional pain
Decreasing depression and anxiety symptoms
Increased socialisation
Relief from boredom
Using VR has a whole range of benefits. These include distraction from physical or emotional pain, relief of boredom, decreasing depression and anxiety symptoms, to increasing socialisation.
Early studies have shown promising data indicating positive outcomes for those experiencing mental health conditions, and is currently being used in a variety of settings such as aged care, training programs (CPR etc.) and the disability sector.
The following study titled The Benefits of Virtual Reality Travel on Symptom Burden and Mental Health of Hemodialysis Patients, included a cohort of 20 hemodialysis patients who were experiencing a heavy symptom burden, low subjective well-being, and high perceived stress. Traditional nonpharmacological interventions have limited effectiveness in improving this situation. Virtual reality technology, as an emerging approach, has shown significant advantages in alleviating symptom burden and enhancing mental health.
Conclusion: A single VR travel session can alleviate symptom burden, enhance subjective well-being, and reduce perceived stress in hemodialysis patients. Participants reported high satisfaction and positive emotional responses, suggesting that this experience could be integrated into care routines as a nonpharmacological intervention to improve symptom burden and mental health in hemodialysis patients.
How much does it cost?
Our VR program is NDIS funded, subject to your individual plan.
What days and times are available?
See our monthly calendar below for more information
