VR, or virtual reality, is a term we hear more and more. Depending on your generation you may have just heard it mentioned, or you may already own a set and have clocked up hundreds of hours gaming inside the futuristic (and let’s face it, a bit funny) looking headsets.
Virtual Reality is becoming increasingly popular for gamers, however few people are aware of the therapeutic history and uses it can boast. If I were to tell you, for example, that a version of VR was used in PTSD therapy up to 20 years ago would you have known it went so far back? Of course, the quality of the equipment and experience has vastly improved in that time, as has the empirical evidence gained on its effectiveness in treating forms of anxiety, PTSD, ADHD and Dementia, along with other mental health issues.
For the first time ever, local care company Gaudium Ltd. Has invested in the latest VR technology and specialist therapeutic packages to offer this increasingly effective therapy for its clients. With many living with dementia and other types of memory loss, along with types of anxiety and heightened stress the company has high hopes to improve the quality of life for their clients.
“I read more and more about how the technology has had proven, validated results and wanted to be able to bring this to our clients.” Said Director Mariusz Waluk, “Our staff have had quite some fun learning about how to guide the clients through the scenarios and put them at ease, testing the system themselves it has been quite a laugh! But in all seriousness the benefits should be outstanding, we have a package that covers a wide variety of conditions and scenarios so there should be something to fit most people.”
The 3D environments with fully interactive, multisensory stimulation can be used by clients whilst staff guide them through scenarios, asking questions and tracking states of mind and emotions throughout. Each client will have their own profile with a history of their sessions and accompanying notes to track their progress and inform their carers and families as to what else might be helpful for them.
“The depth of the benefits cannot be described. For either the guided, structured scenarios to deal with a particular issue, or the relaxation sessions which allow our clients who often have reduced chances to get out and about to go for a walk in the forest, or swim with dolphins. To be able to take them to new places, take them out of themselves and see the improvement of a therapy that takes you beyond your imagination is one of the most rewarding projects I think we have ever worked on.” Said Mr Waluk.
For any more information on the VR therapy and how it may help you or a loved one, please contact Gaudium on 01768 890 353 or via [email protected].
