Introduction
Our project has taken an exciting step forward, following the successful pilot project in Caerphilly.
Two members of the project team now live in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT). With the pilot in Caerphilly successfully completed, this felt like the right moment to launch a larger programme, bringing our Virtual Reality (VR) experiences into Care Homes.
The local response has been very positive. The Pontypridd Men’s Shed, which Mike was a key player in establishing, has been especially enthusiastic about supporting the VR programme.
Pontypridd Men’s Shed
Pontypridd Men’s Shed is a community group that promotes mental health and wellbeing for men of all ages through practical and social activities. It offers vital support to those facing life changes such as bereavement, disability, divorce, redundancy, or retirement.
In just three years, membership has grown from fewer than 10 to more than 70. The Shed is strongly supported by both Pontypridd Town Council and RCT Borough Council, reflecting its importance to the local community.
Project Development in Pontypridd
The warm welcome we received from the Men’s Shed, along with the backing of local and borough councils, made RCT/Pontypridd the natural choice for expanding our VR project.
This support has already made a difference. Mike successfully applied for a Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) grant through the Council’s Community Development Team. The Town Council also funded an initial launch event at Pontypridd Museum, giving us the chance to showcase the programme. RCT Council further promoted the project with a press release: “Virtual Reality Training for Dementia Support in Care Homes.”
The Benefits of Virtual Reality for Care Home Residents
Virtual Reality (VR) offers more than just entertainment—it provides a deeply immersive experience that can transport residents beyond the walls of their care home. When viewed through a VR headset, the brain responds to the visual cues as if they were real. Residents are no longer sitting indoors—they’re walking in the sunshine, exploring familiar landscapes, or joining a rehearsal with a male voice choir.
We often describe the realism of the experience, but it’s the carers’ reactions during demonstrations that truly capture its impact. There’s usually a gasp of surprise. They’re struck by the 360-degree view and the sheer clarity of the image. It’s not just impressive—it’s transformative.
You can hear directly from residents in this link:
Virtual Reality Experience in Caerphilly Care Homes
What the Research Says
While we haven’t conducted formal analysis ourselves, the feedback from residents and carers has been overwhelmingly positive. This aligns with published studies that highlight the value of VR in care settings:
- One report found VR interventions beneficial for cognitive stimulation, reminiscence therapy, and overall quality of life.
- Another study showed a significant reduction in agitation among residents using VR compared to a control group.
- Importantly, carers also reported improvements:
“The use of VR was associated with enhanced caregiver quality of life and more positive interactions with residents.”
You can explore the research here:
Literature Reports
Why We Continue
This feedback—both emotional and evidence-based—is what drives us. We believe VR should be a regular part of care home activities, not a novelty. It fosters joy, connection, and a sense of presence that’s hard to achieve through other means.
Our Progress and Plans
We have begun training volunteers from the Men’s Shed. The training covers filming (using three different 360-degree cameras is a bit of a challenge), editing, and demonstrating VR headsets in Care Homes. Once complete, we will have six trained volunteers, including the original team, ready to take the project forward.
Ralph, drawing on his experience from the pilot, has already started contacting Care Homes. Four Care Homes and one sheltered accommodation have shown interest, and demonstrations have already taken place. One Care Home is so enthusiastic that they not only want to join the training but are also considering purchasing VR headsets and filming equipment of their own.
Our goal is to make this technique widely available. As our library of bespoke VR videos grows, it will be suitable for use in any Care Home. While the technology may seem advanced, using the headsets is straightforward, especially with carers on hand to guide residents.
Looking ahead, Ralph has also opened discussions with Merthyr Tydfil Council to explore expanding the programme into Care Homes there.
In summary, the Pontypridd Men’s Shed and local councils have provided the foundation for a strong and sustainable VR programme. With trained volunteers, growing interest from Care Homes, and early investment from local authorities, the project is well placed to expand across RCT and beyond. Continued support will allow us to build a library of bespoke VR experiences that improve wellbeing, strengthen community links, and showcase innovation in dementia care.