Suffolk County Council launches VR solution for dementia care

Why it matters: The technology provides supported immersive experiences designed to improve wellbeing, quality of life, communication and cognitive ability for individuals living with dementia.

By the numbers: Suffolk County Council has invested £80,000 into this project, as it aims to establish itself as a national leader in the use of virtual reality within adult social care.

The details: Reverie is the result of extensive research and development, supported by the Suffolk 2020 Fund, which was established to foster technological and innovative initiatives across the county.

The VR product offers personalised experiences, from virtual walks along Southwold pier to listening to music at Snape Maltings and seeing animals at Colchester Zoo, all tailored to evoke positive memories and emotions.

What they're saying: "We are at the cutting edge of local authority innovation in this space. The evidence shows that VR can deliver improved outcomes for people living with dementia, as well as their loved ones and carers, by helping to provide a fuller and more satisfying quality of life," said Councillor Beccy Hopfensperger, Cabinet Member for Adult Care.

Dan Betts, Managing Director of Spark Emerging Technologies Ltd, added: "All of the team at Spark-Lab have really enjoyed collaborating on this innovative project with Suffolk County Council and are now excited to finally be bringing Reverie to care settings across Suffolk and the rest of the UK."

How it works: The Reverie VR solution is carer-driven, ensuring that caregivers can monitor and fully control the VR experience in real-time, providing a safe and supportive environment for users.

The app includes individual profiles, an integrated risk assessment, talking points and wellbeing warnings within each film and the ability to pause or stop the experience if needed.

Uniquely, Reverie does not require a Wi-Fi connection to operate but only to download the films and periodic updates.

The bottom line: The app will be available to all care settings in Suffolk at a significantly discounted rate, thanks to the partnership with Spark Emerging Technologies Ltd, the UK's leading VR, CGI, and AR agency.