The VRCHIVE project is a participatory workshop where primary caregivers create personalized, meaningful Virtual Reality (VR) experiences with their loved one (person with dementia (PWD). This exercise in capturing life memories is informed by reminiscence therapy that uses photographs, recordings and other objects to trigger personal memories and are one of the most popular therapeutic approach to working with people with dementia.
Funded by:
SPARK Grant – Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), 2019
VR technology is increasingly used as recreational therapy for PWD; it uses special devices to create immersive experiences that can make one feel as being truly present in another place. Early evidence demonstrates exposing older adults with dementia to VR improves their wellbeing and reduces apathy and that familiar sights/sounds can serve as a trigger for lucidity. While personal preferences of VR experiences are being noted (some prefer a park, others more social settings, e.g. coffee shop), this would be the first foray into co-creating experiences with end-users allowing for hyper-personalization (e.g. someone’s home kitchen).
Over the course of 6 weeks, 4-8 pairs of participants will take part in a 2-hour weekly workshop at a local library branch (North York). Together participants will decide on a theme (e.g. “How we met”) and will learn to use audio recording technology and VR cameras to create a “360-degree memory capsule.” Our therapeutic approach reflects the current emphasis on ‘relationship-centred care’, working with the PWD and caregiver together.