The virtual reality program is called MyndVR, providing hundreds of virtual reality experiences from music to arts to travel.
Residents also have the option to use the program in group and individual settings.
Commonwealth Senior Living at Charlottesville says its community can connect to different worlds right from the comfort of their living space.
“The sensory stimulation through the virtual reality gives the resident a feeling of being outside, being out with people, being in a musical with an audience and feeling like they are immersed in something that has a lot of different people involved in it,” said Commonwealth Senior Living at Charlottesville program director Ashley Hurley.
The widespread impacts and measures set in place due to the coronavirus pandemic intensified loneliness.
AARP found two-thirds of seniors say they are experiencing social isolation, with 66 percent saying their anxiety levels increased during the pandemic.
Hurley adds that the program is fostering a real-life experience that can be used to keep loneliness at bay.
“We have another tool at our disposal to be able to bring a whole different perspective to programming, to one to activities to make sure our residents have a sense of purpose and positivity, so those feelings of loneliness and depression are combated with all of these signature programs that we are to provide to them,” said Hurley.
Source: Albemarle County assisted living facility aims to combat loneliness
