In April 2024, Development Centre of the Heart of Slovenia organised three VR sessions in the municipalities of the Heart of Slovenia, at the Open Day of the Oreli Institute in Kamnik, at the Tisje Home in Litija and at the Senior Citizens’ Home in Kamnik.
A total of 29 people, informal and formal carers, attended the workshops and experienced the world through the eyes of a person with early-stage dementia using virtual reality. Participants watched a 20-minute 360° video through VR glasses and felt how a person with dementia experiences everyday situations, how he/she feels and what he/she thinks. At the end, we had a reflection session to discuss how they had experienced the experience and what they had learnt.
Majority of attendees were under 45 year and most of them are taking care of their parents or in-laws. During the VR session they felt confusion and restlessness and it gave them greater understanding of people with dementia. Participants stated it was enlightening and thought-provoking to look inwards.
Caregivers realized they are sometimes too annoying with all instructions and that they should just go into their story and not contradict and that they should sometimes cause them confusion and that it is very important what words to use. They pointed out that the challenge is that not all people have enough sense of empathy, and this is evident when working with people with dementia.
Everyone found the workshop very useful to understand people with dementia better and to adapt their own reactions. The VR experience enhanced their ability to engage with dementia patients and address their emotional and sensory needs effectively. In Slovenia, workshops continue to be held for all interested people, including organisations working with older people and volunteers.