Elderly residents' experiences of using virtual reality headsets in a care home setting; a descriptive phenomenological study

Abstract

Background. Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy literature has an interest in the meaning and purpose of the occupations people participate in. The recent cost reduction and advancement in virtual reality technology has made it available to many different people of all ages and abilities. Purpose. This proposal will explore the potential benefits virtual reality headsets has for residents living in care homes by investigating residents' experience of this occupation. Following a review of relevant literature, which explored literature in relation to immersive virtual reality for the elderly population it was discovered it would be beneficial for future research to gain an in depth understanding from the perspective of elderly participants themselves. Method. Three participants, all English speaking, adult, limited mobility, referred by care home staff will take part in open ended one on one interviews after experiencing using the VR headset HTC Vive. The interviews will be recorded and transcribed, with descriptive phenomenology used to guide data analysis. Implications. As virtual reality headsets are a new technology this proposal aims to contribute to the knowledge base and inform occupational therapy profession and other professions of the potential value of virtual reality headsets as a meaningful occupation for residents with limited mobility.