Solihull Council provides day services for older adults, many of whom live with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Spending the day at Colebrook Day Opportunities promotes independence, social connection, and wellbeing through a range of therapeutic activities.
The team there introduced a virtual reality headset as part of a small-scale trial, aiming to explore how immersive technology might support reminiscence, reduce anxiety, and spark meaningful conversation.
The headset is from Recreo VR. The image below is a screenshot from their website.
Using the VR headset in Solihull's Colebrook day facility
The VR headset has proven particularly powerful in evoking positive emotions and shared memories. Individuals can explore 1950s streetscapes, safaris, or familiar music and landscapes—stimulating memory and conversation. A mirrored tablet screen allows others to watch and join the experience. For many, the headset has reduced anxiety and provided a new, stimulating way to connect—with both staff and peers.
L was agitated before using the headset, but seeing peers enjoy it encouraged her to give it a try. Watching 1950s scenes calmed her and brought back vivid memories
P, although tired, chose a dog-themed VR experience. She visibly brightened, reaching out to stroke the animals and sharing the experience with others
B commented that the safari experience was “beautiful to watch and talk about,” and felt “so real like you’re really there.”
- individuals should be encouraged to observe someone else’s experience on a tablet before trying the VR headset themselves
- initial reluctance can give way to great enjoyment
- keep sessions short and support transitions out of VR, particularly for people who may feel disoriented
- some individuals find wearing the headset uncomfortable or claustrophobic.
- choose content tailored to interests (e.g. dogs, music, familiar places).