Care home residents in Letterkenny have been taking virtual adventures through a new Virtual Reality (VR) technology project.
Using VR headsets, elderly people have been walking along Donegal beaches, revisiting family farms, or exploring local landmarks, all from the comfort of their residences.
The innovative project comes from ATU and residential care group Riada Care Ltd. supported by the Data2Sustain European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH).
The program allows family members, carers, and staff to create personalised 360° videos, which residents can enjoy using Meta Quest 3 VR headsets.
“Over a 12-week pilot, we introduced 360° immersive videos to residents at our Hillcrest and Archview care homes in Letterkenny, designed to evoke nostalgia and bring joy to the residents,” said Luke Gavigan, Director of Riada Care Ltd. “This initiative combines two key elements: creating immersive content that brings cherished outdoor experiences into the facility and empowering staff and family members with the tools and training to create personalised VR content for their loved ones.”
Project Lead Dr. William Farrelly of WiSAR Lab, ATU Donegal, part of the Data2Sustain network, explained the transformative potential of this collaboration: “This project demonstrates how technology can foster connection and joy among residents who may otherwise feel isolated. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from the initial trials highlights the transformative potential of VR in elder care.”
Residents participating in the pilot reported significant emotional uplift, enhanced engagement, and reduced feelings of isolation. To ensure the program’s sustainability, the team has developed a comprehensive training program with instructional videos helping guide carers and family members in creating and editing 360° video content.
Care home staff have also been equipped with Meta Quest 3 VR headsets, Insta360 cameras, and editing software, enabling them to continually expand the VR content library.
Dr. Stephen Seawright, Technology Gateway Manager at ATU Donegal, emphasised the importance of collaboration in the project’s success: “The project exemplifies a successful collaboration between academia, healthcare providers, and funding bodies like Data2Sustain EDIH. It underscores the potential of emerging technologies to address complex challenges in healthcare and improve quality of life for many.”
Looking ahead, the team plans to expand the technology to additional Riada Care facilities across Ireland, conduct further research into its long-term benefits, and explore new applications of VR, including guided relaxation and physical therapy.
“Immersive technologies have the potential to transform physical and psychological outcomes in social care settings,” said Dr. Farrelly. “By integrating this technology into everyday care, we’re enriching residents’ lives while also empowering carers to offer innovative, personalised support.”
