Hartford Care has partnered with US-based technology company, MyndVR, to launch virtual reality therapies in its care homes across the South of England.

Hartford Care will launch the headsets across 10 of its care homes initially: Boulters Lock in Maidenhead; Malden House in East Devon; West Cliff Hall in Hythe; Woodlands House in Woodlands, Southampton; Springfield Nursing Home in Shanklin; The Elms in Bembridge; Tegfield House in Winchester; Stokeleigh in Stoke Bishop; Bethel House in Barton on Sea; and Hartford Court in Portsmouth.

Kevin Shaw, chief executive at Hartford Care, said: “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.”

Studies have shown that VR-based digital therapeutics technology provides a broad range of benefits, from improving mood and engagement to reducing anxiety and pain, and providing better rehabilitative care by improving physical and occupational therapy outcomes.

A 2021 study conducted in the United States found 92% of senior users experienced significant mood improvements, and 66% experienced a reduction in pain intensity. Through a combination of advanced software and hardware, MyndVR’s platform delivers a vast library of immersive content, which will empower Hartford Care’s residents to travel the world, visit a street they previously lived on, relive old memories and continue to engage, learn and explore from the comfort of their homes.