Virtual Reality Videos in Care Homes

INSIDE – OUTSIDE PROJECT

Background

The potential to use Virtual Reality Videos in Care Homes became a reality when we got a National Lottery grant in May 2020. This was just 5 months after the outbreak of the Covid pandemic. The National Lottery recognised the value to Care Home residents that our bespoke videos could provide. However, the extent of restrictions that would result from the pandemic were unexpected.

We named our project “Inside – Outside”. Wearing the Virtual Reality headset provides an immersive view of a location outside the Care Home. The participant can turn 360 degrees and see a realistic view of a new virtual world.
They did not lift restrictions on visits to Care Homes until early this year. This delay meant that we had time to develop a portfolio of 20 videos ready to view. These included walks through Roath Park and Margam Park, around Caerphilly Castle, and over the hills in Cwm Darran. We also added a performance from an Elvis tribute act, as well as 6 songs by Caerphilly Male Voice Choir.

The Technology

INSTA360 CAMERA

The picture shows an Insta360 camera used for many of our videos and compares its size to a smartphone. As you can see, this is a miniature camera. It has 2 lenses on the front and back that take 180-degree images. These images then have to be processed on a computer to make them suitable for the Virtual Reality headsets.

Our Reality Videos are not interactive. The Care Home residents do not have to move around. They simply move their head as the video takes them on a picturesque walk.

Using alternative headsets, we have explored tolerance to interactive ones. The residents that used them found the experience was amazing. They actually experienced walking under the sea! We have identified an issue with the poor Wi-Fi in the council Care Homes. The Wi-Fi will not stream YouTube 360 videos. This would need to be resolved to use interactive headsets.

Recognition

Local politicians recognised the success of our grant application:-

Caerphilly MS Hefin David congratulated Caerphilly Over 50 and the staff at Lewis School Pengam for their hard work, which resulted in securing the £8,800 funding for the virtual reality project. “I’m sure the experience will bring joy to residents in care homes, who are more at risk of isolation than before the lockdown.”

Cllr Carl Cuss, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Wellbeing, said: “During this challenging time, with guidelines on social distancing, many people may feel they are cut off from the world. Using technology to give our care-home residents the feeling of being outdoors, in familiar settings, is a fantastic idea.”

Chair’s Comments

The Chair of Caerphilly Over 50 noted that the wellbeing of the residents in Care Homes had long been one of our interests and this pandemic has thrust Care Homes to the fore of national concern. We welcomed the enthusiasm expressed by the National Lottery and were very grateful for the acceptance of our grant application.

Virtual Reality Demonstrations

In January 2023, it was finally possible to make the arrangements to gain entry to a Care Home. Our first demonstration took place in February at Min Y Mynydd Resource Centre, Rhymney.

Min y Mynydd Care Home: Inside – Outside