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Virtual visits: Reminiscence in residential aged care with digital mapping technologies
Author(s) -
Webber Sarah,
Baker Steven,
Waycott Jenny
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12902
Subject(s) - reminiscence , usability , aged care , metropolitan area , older people , psychology , gerontology , medicine , computer science , human–computer interaction , pathology , cognitive psychology
Objective Digital technologies can support reminiscence and lifestyle enrichment in residential aged care. This study explores potential benefits and risks of virtual visits using digital maps, tablet computers and virtual reality technologies. Methods Reminiscence sessions were conducted with metropolitan aged care facility residents (n = 7), using digital mapping applications to ‘visit’ places of personal significance. Residents and family members (n = 4) were interviewed. Results Some older adults found virtual visits valuable and all reminisced in various ways about personal, family and social experiences. Family members felt that virtual visits would be enriching for loved ones and that they supported sharing of life stories. Our results also highlight that VR usability improvements are needed to better suit older people. Conclusion Virtual visits could offer valuable opportunities for positive reminiscence for some older adults in residential aged care. Digital technologies need to provide better support for older users and people who assist them.