b"DEMENTIAelectroencephalography) for understanding age-relatedcognitive changes and enhancing memory research. This research highlights that the use of accessible and portable equipment such as VR underscores the potential for therapeutic applications beyond clinical settings, such as in long-term care homes or for individuals aging in place.Baycrest has used VR since 2021 to enhance the holistic, person-centred care models in the Apotex Centre, Jewish Home for the Aged long-term care home, at Baycrest Hospital and in the Possibilities by BaycrestTM floor The benefits of of the Baycrest Terraces Residence and Community.virtual reality Baycrests VR programs, which are typically offered a couple of times per month and see one-on-one sessions as well as group Leveraging virtual reality to help engagesessions with under 10 individuals, have enjoyed high engagement older adults living with dementiarates. From January to September 2024, 150 sessions took place with By Cyrelle Muskat approximately 85 residents invarious locations including residents T here are 750,000 CanadiansContrary to the commonrooms, common areas and recreation rooms.currently living with dementia,misconception about reluctancea number projected to moreto use technology among agingConsistent with the existing literature, than double by 2050. Health careadults, studies on VR haveBaycrests use of VR shows potential services are facing higher demand,demonstrated high levels offor entertainment, relaxation therapy, particularly in long-term care, withengagement. Even more encouragingnon-pharmacological therapeutic this demographic shift leading toare findings that point to the interventions, rehabilitation, longer wait times, overburdened staff,benefits of VR interventions when iteducation and more.and limited resources, all of whichcomes to pain management, social challenge the quality of care available. isolation and improving balance,Across the Apotex, Jewish Home strength and cognition. Overall, it hasfor the Aged specifically, VR Leveraging technologicalbeen shown that VR has the potentialprogramming includes virtual travel, advancements in care delivery to enhance the physical, emotional,interactive games and meditation is essential to enhancing access tocognitive and social well-being forsessions, which have demonstrated and improving quality of care, whichlong-term care residents, includingremarkable engagement levels can strengthen the health careindividuals living with dementia. among residents living with system's capacity while reducingdementia. Participants consistently barriers to access. Recent research conducted byexhibit a sense of calm following Baycrest, in partnership with theVR sessions, and frequent requests Virtual reality (VR) is a promising non- National Research Council offor repeat experiences highlight the pharmacological intervention thatCanadas Medical Devices Researchprogram's effectiveness.can bridge the gap between residentsCentre and Aging in Place Challenge and care providers. For example, VRprogram, shows that VR can also beThe virtual experiences are tailored can engage older adults living witha useful tool for cognitive researchto individual preferences, enhancing dementia in recreational activities,in both young and aging adults,their relevance and impact. For enable virtual visits, help manageoffering immersive and interactiveinstance, one resident, a former pain and combat social isolation, aassessments that parallel traditionalpilot, has particularly enjoyed a VR common challenge for long-termmethods. Study findings supportprogram that simulates flying a plane care residents.using VR (when combined withfrom the cockpit. This customization 40 LONG TERM CARE TODAY Spring/Summer 2025"