Virtual Reality in Hospice Care
The Southwestern Palliative Care and Hospice in Yuma, Arizona, has taken a significant step in enhancing the patient experience by incorporating a new virtual reality (VR) program. By integrating the Oculus VR device, the center aims to provide a therapeutic escape for patients who are often confined to their beds.
Benefits of VR for Bedbound Patients
Executive Director Adam Merrell highlighted the profound impact of this technology: “A lot of our patients at end of life, unfortunately, they lose their mobility, so a lot of our folks are bedbound. This becomes a tool that’s just not replaceable because they can actually experience these things in the bed.” The VR program allows patients to digitally explore new environments, offering a sense of freedom and adventure without physical movement.
Personalized Experiences
The center also collaborates with families to create personalized slide shows featuring pictures from the patients' lives and loved ones. These customized experiences provide significant psychological benefits, helping patients find relief and a peaceful escape for 30 minutes to an hour.
Psychological Relief and Escape
Adam Merrell further explained the mental benefits: “It takes people's focus off the pain and all the problems that life has for us and just gives us a chance to sort of become stress-free, relax, and have some serenity and peace in our lives.”
Patient Testimonials
Patients have responded positively to the VR program. Bobby Lewis, a patient at the center, shared his perspective: “I would compare it literally to some of the medical benefits they bring out every so often. It’s a new way of living that’s possible for everybody.”
The introduction of VR in hospice care is a promising development in the healthcare industry, showcasing how technology can significantly improve the quality of life for patients in palliative care.
