Visitors were invited to try the Recreo VR headset and discover how immersive technology can bring new experiences into a care setting, particularly for people who may have limited mobility or find it difficult to access places and activities outside their home.

The technology sparked plenty of conversation among visitors.

“What a beautiful resource for less mobile people,” said one participant, while another reflected: “I wish these resources had been available when my mum was in care.”

Younger visitors were equally enthusiastic, although perhaps for slightly different reasons!

“I was underwater and I thought I could catch all the fish and sharks!” said one excited youngster.

Another, after experiencing a virtual farm, said: “The farm is so good and I wanted to ride all of the horses, but Mum says I have to go home now!”

For Grace Care Centre, attending events such as Fun Palaces is about much more than demonstrating new technology. It provides an opportunity to open conversations about dementia care, challenge perceptions of what life in a care home can look like, and build stronger relationships between care homes and the communities around them.

Experiences like these can play an important role in residents’ wellbeing. Meaningful and stimulating activities can encourage conversation, curiosity and social interaction, while providing opportunities to reconnect with memories, interests and places that have been important throughout a person’s life. For residents who may find travelling or accessing certain experiences more difficult, technology can help bring more of the outside world to them, supporting choice, engagement and a continued sense of connection with the wider community.

Technology such as virtual reality can complement the human relationships at the heart of good care, creating opportunities for reminiscence, conversation, curiosity and shared experiences. It can also help people explore environments and experiences that may otherwise be difficult for them to access.

The day also demonstrated how technology can bring generations together, with children, adults and older people all experiencing the same resource and sharing their very different reactions.

Karla Tutton, Home Manager at Grace Care Centre, said: 

It was wonderful to see people of all ages getting involved and experiencing the technology for themselves. At Grace Care Centre, we are always looking at different ways we can enrich the lives of residents, particularly those living with dementia. Technology can never replace the importance of human connection, but used thoughtfully it can open up new experiences, spark memories and conversations, and bring people together. It was also a fantastic opportunity for us to get out into the Thornbury community and talk about what modern care can look like.

A huge thank you goes to JIGSAW Thornbury for welcoming Grace Care Centre and to everyone who stopped by, tried the technology and shared their feedback.

It was wonderful to meet so many people from across the Thornbury community and start conversations about how innovation, community connection and person-centred care can work together to enrich the lives of people living with dementia.