Goals of VR Immersive Therapy
Combating Social Isolation
Social isolation in nursing homes can lead to significant psychological distress. VR therapy offers a unique solution by facilitating virtual social interactions and immersive experiences. Vaillant-Ciszewicz and Guérin (2021) highlight that VR can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and provide a sense of connection and engagement through virtual environments, potentially improving overall well-being. Additionally, VR therapy can offer a sense of escapism and enhanced social engagement, helping to mitigate feelings of isolation among elderly residents (Zhai et al., 2021).
Anxiety Reduction
Anxiety is a common issue among nursing home residents, often exacerbated by unfamiliar environments and medical procedures. VR therapy can help alleviate anxiety by offering calming and familiar virtual settings. According to Blankenship (2020), a nature-based VR intervention significantly decreased anxiety symptoms among older nursing home residents, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of VR in creating relaxing and stress-relieving environments.
Depression Alleviation
Depression is prevalent among nursing home residents, often due to a combination of physical decline, loss of independence, and social isolation. VR therapy has shown promise in alleviating depressive symptoms by offering engaging and enjoyable experiences. A multicenter randomized controlled trial found that VR significantly improved moods and reduced depressive symptoms in older adults, indicating its effectiveness as a non-pharmacological intervention for mental health (Chan et al., 2020).
Pain Management
Chronic pain is a major issue for many nursing home residents, affecting their quality of life. VR therapy can be an effective tool for pain management by providing immersive distractions that divert attention from pain. Tashjian et al. (2017) demonstrated that a 3D VR intervention significantly reduced pain levels in hospitalized patients compared to a control group, suggesting similar benefits could be extended to nursing home residents.
Enhancing Cognitive and Emotional Well-being
VR therapy not only addresses pain and psychological symptoms but also enhances cognitive and emotional well-being. Virtual environments that are designed for positive mood induction can be particularly beneficial for elderly people (Baños et al., 2012). VR interventions can stimulate cognitive activity and evoke positive emotions, potentially improving the overall quality of life for elderly residents in nursing homes (Garrett et al., 2018).