Hartford Care has partnered with US-based technology company MyndVR to deliver virtual reality (VR) therapies in its settings across the south of England.

Through a combination of software and hardware, MyndVR’s platform delivers a library of immersive content, which will help residents to travel the world, visit a street they previously lived on, relive memories and continue to engage, learn and explore.

MyndVR, a provider of VR-based, digital therapeutic experiences designed for older people, operates using lightweight immersive glasses from HTC Vive.

Over the past five years, MyndVR has developed a library of content designed specifically for older people, helping them to live healthier lives, addressing isolation and depression, and offering cognitive games that are designed to help users improve and maintain their executive function as they age. Other activities are designed as post-acute rehabilitative therapies.

‘We want to be at the forefront of innovation in our industry and the use of virtual reality headsets in our homes is another ground-breaking initiative we’re extremely proud to establish. I’m looking forward to seeing the benefits this technology has for the residents in our homes, especially those living with dementia whereby research shows it can fight loneliness and alleviate anxiety,’ said Kevin Shaw, Hartford Care chief executive.

Chris Brickler, MyndVR CEO, said: ‘Partnering with Hartford Care is an exciting step as we continue to spread the benefits of MyndVR to our aging population around the globe. By 2030, one in six – or 1.4 billion – people in the world will be aged 60 years or over. The value and impact of virtual reality for the ageing mind cannot be overstated. We look forward to continuing to deliver meaningful experiences to our aging population.’

Hartford Care is launching the headsets across its 16 care homes.

This content was originally published here.