At Nurse Maude Care Home in Christchurch, New Zealand, the integration of virtual reality (VR) into resident activities has become far more than just entertainment—it’s a meaningful tool for connection, reminiscence, and wellbeing.
Evette, one of the care home’s dedicated activities coordinators, has been facilitating VR sessions using SilVR Adventures, a solution designed specifically for older adults. During a recent session, four residents embarked on immersive virtual journeys to India’s Taj Mahal and the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral. These carefully chosen experiences sparked fascination and conversation, setting the tone for what has become a powerful therapeutic tool.
Evette shared that many of the home’s residents have complex health needs and limited mobility, and VR offers a unique form of escapism. “They feel like they’ve stepped outside the four walls of their room,” she said. “For residents with dementia, whose world can feel quite narrow, it’s a rare moment of expanded engagement. One woman, usually quiet, lit up after a session and spent the next day excitedly telling others what she’d seen.”
But not every reaction is the same. Evette recounted a resident who, despite a rich travel history, felt emotional realising she may never visit those places again. The team guided her through this response, helping her reframe the experience to focus on joyful memories. “It ended up being a beautiful, reflective conversation,” Evette said.
James, one of the residents, was captivated by the chance to see Notre Dame and commented on the beauty of its ongoing restoration. Though he hadn’t travelled extensively, VR allowed him to explore parts of the world he’d never seen before.
“We actually see more in VR than we might in real life. You get the time to take in the little things.”
The sessions have quickly become popular, with residents eagerly raising their hands to join. Whether enjoying group tours or intimate one-on-one experiences—such as couples sharing a virtual trip down memory lane—residents are transported to a world of wonder, often sparking meaningful conversations and storytelling long after the headsets come off.
Evette credits the success of the program not only to the content but also to how it’s facilitated. Rather than running a video passively, she engages residents throughout, prompting them to share their memories, observations, and thoughts during the experience. “Sometimes just pointing out a floor tile or piece of architecture is enough to start a whole new discussion,” she said.
Looking ahead, the team is training additional staff to offer VR to short-term and bed-bound residents more regularly, expanding access to those who may need it most.
From broadening horizons to deepening connections, virtual reality is proving to be a powerful tool at Nurse Maude—where even a few minutes in a headset can open up a whole new world.
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About Nurse Maude
Sibylla Emily Maude (1862-1935) was a formidable and selfless woman whose standard of nursing was ahead of her time. With singular devotion, she established a district nursing service, combatted influenza and impacted the lives of Christchurch’s most vulnerable. Her legacy is alive and well through the work Nurse Maude does every day.
Nurse Maude is a respected not-for-profit care provider based in Christchurch, New Zealand, with a long-standing commitment to delivering compassionate, high-quality healthcare and support services. With a focus on dignity, wellbeing, and innovation, Nurse Maude offers hospital-level aged care and community services, enriching the lives of residents through personalised care and meaningful engagement.
Read more: https://www.nursemaude.org.nz/our-history
