I am going to explain the Virtual Reality (VR) technology that we are going to be using in Hrafnista and more importantly why we plan to use it.
The technology dates from around 1968 but did not gain popularity until around 10 years ago. The technology has finally become so good that it can rival that of normal TVs and computers. The development is fast, especially in the field of computer games.
I first read about VR in the sci fi novel Ready Player One. Its a fun book but a scary vision of a future where everyone escapes their reality by using VR.
Although I strongly feel that we that have our health should live as much as we can in the “real” world and make good memories, I do believe that such an “escape” can greatly benefit people that because of old age and illness have limited opportunity to have the sort of experiences we take for granted.
Inhabitants of Hrafnista have different situations when it comes to health, ability and mental clarity, but most are entering the last chapter in their life. This is the time when memories of childhood, friendships, playing around, being in love, raising a family and all the ups and downs of life become all the more important.
People have lived very different lives with a variety of good and bad experiences, but are now only able to think back and remember. It´s the good memories that give the most warmth in old age. That is well established.
With the use of VR glasses we have the opportunity to bridge the gap between old age and earlier years of youth, between current limitations of the body and the time when they had normal mobility, health. We can help people to relive memories through travels to foreign countries (or in Iceland), to cities and sunny beaches, to ski areas and underwater exploration, on a safari, up in a balloon or whatever the mind desires.
As well as reliving experiences/memories they have a chance to experience things they never had the chance to do, for reasons of time, money or simply imagination.
We that work in caring for the inhabitants of Hrafnista are in a unique role. We are in many ways like their closest of kin when it comes to spending time with them during the day and evening. Our presence can and does offer inhabitants so much and in so many ways. Aside from the basic core assistance offered in the daily activities we all realize that one smile can turn darkness to daylight, one question can create a feeling of connection and a pat on the back can offer the warmth needed to lift a persons spirit. The things we all do to make the old people in Hrafnista feel better is is a long list.
The use of VR glasses is an amazing way to combine so many things in care and assistance including:
Diversity for inhabitants and staff
Social connection
New experiences
Chance to remember old memories
Joy and wonder
Strenghten connections
You have perhaps seen the VR glasses in use in your department. If not, ask your co-workers if they have and what they thought.
I encourage you to talk to the head of your department if you are interested to try and also to look over the short technical training HERE
The video below shows the experience of some people in Hrafnista of using the glasses. After that I will go over how we communicate with people around using the glasses.
To use the VR glasses is not just about putting them on people. It is a journey where the technology is like the transportation. You need someone to bring the passenger to where he or she wants to go ;)
But if we keep these few things in mind we are already halfway there
To show interest in people and their experience-this is for them
Be considerate and soft-this is a novel experience for most
Show that you are interested in them having a good experience
Show interest in people
In the Youtube playlists we have chosen all sorts of experiences, but to be able to choose, we have to have a conversation with the person. To ask about their interests, travel, good memories, what job they had (many pilots miss flying, and farmers miss their animals). Remember we are on a treasure hunt where memories and new experiences are the goal. Sometimes you will have to suggest ideas of what to watch, and to create a positive mood by being encouraging. You can tell them about your own holidays and offer them to see (many videos from Spain). Sometimes its good to use humor, like saying “its impossible you havent seen a giraffe before! Lets fix that” Do not hesitate to chat, be yourselves and share your experiences. Just remember that the goal is to give them this special experience. Do not give up if someone says no and is not interested in trying the VR glasses. You can always try again, and maybe using a different approach.
Show consideration
This is a new technology and can be intimidating for some. Others are simply a little narrowminded and negative, while others have dementia and are unable to properly express themselves. We have to approach each person based on their condition and outlook. If we show warmth and consideration we have much more success. You know the people in your department and you are able to evaluate who is most likely to want to try and who needs more time to get used to this new technology.
Þetta er ný tækni, og getur virst óþægileg fyrir suma. Aðrir eru bara smá vanafastir og neikvæðir. Sumir eru komnir með mikla heilabilun og geta ekki tjáð sig. Við nálgumst alla útfrá þeim sjálfum. Við komumst langt með nærgætni og mýkt. Þið þekkið fólkið ykkar og getið metið hver er líklegur til að prófa eða þurfa meiri tíma. Og svo kemur sumt fólk ykkur á óvart! Ég mæli með að læra hvernig best sé að setja gleraugu á fólk með því að spyrja samstarfsfólk sem hefur reynslu (munið að ég verð með ykkur fram á vor og mun hjálpa ykkur. Ekki hika við að spyrja mig.
Sýna ykkar áhuga
Horfðir þú á myndbandið að ofan? Það er til mikils að vinna að geta veitt fólki svona mikla gleði. Það er ein tegund af áhuga. Svo er það áhuga ykkar á öllu því sem má upplifa. Hugsið um tvennt. Annars vegar frábært sumarfrí sem þið áttuð, og hinsvegar e-h reynslu eins og skíða, sigla, íþrótt, yoga, hvað sem veitir ykkur mikla ánægju. Ímyndið ykkur svo að þið gætuð aldrei framar upplifað slíkt. Það er veruleiki flestra sem við erum að vinna fyrir. En með VR getum við leyft þeim að upplifa aftur, þó sýndarveruleiki jafnist aldrei á við veruleikann. Við verðum að skilja möguleikana, og hversu mögnuð áhrifin geta verið. Þá kviknar áhugi okkar og brennur skærar :)