Introduction to Virtual Reality Experience
When the University of Minnesota offered to let me experience what it’s prefer to die, naturally I said yes. Aren’t all of us morbidly interested in the undiscovered country, as Hamlet put it, from which no traveler returns? This curiosity stems from our innate desire to know the unknown, and on this case, the experience of dying.
What is Virtual Death?
Except this time, happily, I might get to return because it could be a virtual death, an experience in a VR studio that’s a part of the university’s Health Sciences Library system. The dying experience is an element of a series of VR simulations developed by a nine-year-old California-based company called Embodied Labs. They’ve created immersive, first-person experiences of what it’s prefer to have dementia, Alzheimer’s or Parkinson disease, vision or hearing loss, to be socially isolated or to experience aging as a LGBTQ person. And what it’s prefer to die.
Purpose of the Simulations
Admittedly, these experiences don’t sound as fun as using VR to play a video game or pilot a jet plane. Instead, the simulations are designed as training tools to foster empathy and understanding for caregivers of older adults. By putting themselves within the shoes of those that are experiencing these conditions, caregivers can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and supply simpler care.
Real-Life Applications
At the University of Minnesota, medical school students have been using an Embodied Labs experience to know the angle of a lady named Beatriz, coping with frustrations, confusion and family dynamics as she experiences advancing stages of Alzheimer’s. Students on the university’s Mortuary Science program have experienced an Embodied Labs simulation where they tackle the role of a 74-year-old man named Alfred who has age-related macular degeneration and high-frequency hearing loss. He’s struggling to listen to and understand what relatives and caregivers are saying to him.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the VR simulations developed by Embodied Labs offer a singular opportunity for caregivers to experience the world from the angle of those they take care of. By fostering empathy and understanding, these simulations have the potential to enhance the care and support provided to older adults and people with debilitating conditions. As technology continues to advance, it is going to be exciting to see how VR simulations like these may be used to coach and train caregivers, and ultimately improve the lives of those in need.
